Mencia 2021

C. Raffelt 5.7.2021

This pure varietal 2021 Mencía comes from 50-year-old vineyards in the district of San Lorenzo del Bierzo, directly on the slopes of the Montes-Aquilianos, a low mountain range. They are old bush vines in gobelet training, which are cultivated organically. The Bierzo there is characterised by clayey and ferruginous soils. The Mencía was harvested in small boxes and destemmed. The alcoholic fermentation took place spontaneously without temperature control. Afterwards, the wine matured for three months on the fine lees in stainless steel.

Sparkling cherry red with bright reflections

The Mencia from the Bierzo lives on crisp, steely fruit. Sour cherry without end, followed by elderberries, currants and some raspberry. Plums, sloe and almonds surround the berry fruit. This makes it seem darker, more mystical and more elegant. The fruit keeps alternating between red and blue. A hint of burnt coconut wood and cinnamon slowly emerge in the glass. It lives on restraint and elegance. At the same time, it appears inviting, unagitated and charming.

Already with the first sip, the Galician clearly exceeds expectations. The fruit is so juicy and has an enormously high drinkability. Pure sour cherry. The other red and blue fruits on the nose seem pleasantly crisp and live from a perfectly integrated acid structure. The fruit is so inviting that lifting the glass becomes automatic. Uncomplicated, full of nonchalance and in perfect balance between fruit and acidity. No tannin, only a few green accents. In the aftertaste, it seems additionally pushed by an ethereal, herbal freshness.