Ponte da Boga Mencía 2025

Ponte da Boga works in Terra de Caldelas, one of the steeper inland corners of the Ribeira Sacra in Galicia, where vineyards climb terraced hillsides above the river gorges. The winery dates back to 1898 and was relaunched in 2005 under Corporación Hijos de Rivera, combining traditional Galician viticulture with modern cellar work, and it has a particular focus on old and ancient local varieties. Mencía is the region's signature red grape, giving aromatic, medium-bodied wines with bright acidity. The slate and schist soils common to the Ribeira Sacra drain freely and reflect heat onto the low-yielding vines, while the cool Atlantic-influenced climate and altitude preserve freshness and the grape's peppery lift. This bottling is made for early drinking: fermented and then held six months in stainless steel, with no oak, so the fruit stays primary and the tannins soft. The colour is bright violet-tinged ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and plum with a peppery, herbal note, and the palate is light to medium bodied, fresh and juicy, with a mineral, slightly stony finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees, lightly chilled. It works with grilled pork, roast chicken and mushroom dishes.