Magical Mencía
6 favorites from one of Spain’s best-kept secrets.
Mencía is one of the best-kept secrets in Spain, perhaps too well kept. The grape, tending to be light to medium bodied with red fruit and floral characteristics, is believed to be native to Northwest Spain. While this is still the most popular home for Mencía, it can also now be found in Northern Portugal. Mencía is a favorite fall pick of ours. It shows rich fruit, but isn’t overly heavy in body. Many can be enjoyed alone, but are exceptional with a variety of foods. If you show up to a dinner party with Mencía, you are sure to be a hit. The Bierzo region, where Mencía is most commonly found, has become a haven for sustainable viticultural practices. A responsibly grown, responsibly made, versatile, delicious red at a steal of a price-- what’s not to love?
Check out our picks for delicious Mencía options below!
Quinta da Muradella, “Alanda Tinto,” Monterrei $35
Winemaker Jose Luis Mateo is passionate about ensuring his wines exhibit a true expression of the terroir. The grapes are all farmed organically, and minimal intervention is used in the winery. Jose Luis has been lauded for revitalizing old vineyards in the Monterrei region of Northwest Spain. The Mencía-based Alanda Tinto expresses granitic minerality, ripe red cherry, and hints of sweet herb.
Liquid Geography, Rosé of Mencía, Bierzo $15
It isn’t often you find a rosé made from 50+ year old vines, nor ones whose profits are donated to charity. A partnership between the Guerra Winery of the Bierzo region and importer Olé and Obrigado, Liquid Geography is a wine you can feel great about drinking for a number of reasons. Tart and mineral-driven with exceptional verve, it’s a great Thanksgiving option (Yes- rosé isn’t just for summer anymore!). World Central Kitchen, Wheeling Forward to help promote those with disabilities excel, and the TJ Martell Foundation for cancer research will benefit from every bottle you enjoy. Drink good. Do good.
Raúl Pérez, “Ultreia,” Bierzo $20
Raúl is known as somewhat of a soil whisperer, deeply familiar with each parcel of his vineyards. Respect for nature is at the core of his ideology. The winemaker’s emphasis on terroir shows in each bottle of Ultreia. In many vintages, there are notes of sasparilla and green herbs; juicy black cherry is always a hallmark. There is always a sense of grace in this wine.
José Antonio García, “Unculín Tinto Mencía,” Bierzo $25
The protégé of Raúl Pérez, José Antonio has become an exceptional vigneron in his own right. Together with his wife Julia Peña García, Raúl makes divine Mencía from the old vines of the couple’s organically farmed vineyards. The vines for Unculín are between 85 and 65 years old, remarkable for a wine at this price point. This undertone of minerality is a delightful surprise for a wine so fresh, floral, and bright.
Descendientes de José Palacios, “Pétalos,” Bierzo $20
Ricardo Perez and Álvaro Palacios, who named the winery for Alvaro’s father and Ricardo’s grandfather, have been pioneers for biodynamic farming in the Bierzo region. After finding great success making wines in the Priorat region, Álvaro’s passion for and curiosity about Mencía prompted him to found this new venture with his nephew. Ricardo is not only dedicated to sustainable practices in the vineyard, but he also works with the local community to promote farming that will yield more nutritious fruits and vegetables. Finesse and elegance define “Pétalos.” Lovely notes of candied rose petal and red currant jump from the glass.
Losada Vinos de Finca, “Altos de Losada,” Bierzo $25
The clay soils and use of new oak give Altos de Losada a more brooding characteristic than many Mencías. Minimal intervention is used in the winery to produce a wine that expresses a sense of place. Blackberry and baking space lead to a rich palate. This is a great fall fireside wine!