Grape · Bierzo / Galicia, Spain
Mencía
men-THEE-ah
Bierzo's cool red
Northwest Spain's answer to Cabernet Franc: red fruit, herbs, and slate. Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra are the places.
- red cherry
- herbs
- slate
- pepper
- violet
Profile
Bodymedium
Acidhigh
Tanninmedium
Sugardry
Old Mencía vines on steep slate can taste like Loire Franc with Spanish dust. Over-extracted oaky versions from the 2000s hid the grape; the current wave picks earlier and lets the mountain show.
Ribeira Sacra is even steeper and often lighter. Both are somm darlings for a reason.
Chorizo, roast peppers, octopus, and pork.
At the table
Service
55–59 °F (13–15 °C). A light chill is welcome.
