| Fall limited Release. Available mid-october. Now accepting pre-orders.
Originally released April 2009, this outstanding Wine
from rugged hillside vineyards (average vine age 50+
years) in northwest Spain wowed the judges at this year’s
competition.
It was awarded a total of 11 medals, including 2
Golds*.
The wine, which we think of as being like Pinot Noir
on steroids, has captivating cherry aromatics, red and
black fruit flavours with quiet spice notes, all beautifully
integrated with gentle tannins and subtle oak. Our
library samples, over a year old, have been appealing
from day one and continue to develop even more refined
elegance.
Our encore offering is the same blend as the original
release but this time will have 25% more crushed grapes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover this Spanish
varietal that has the wine world buzzing. Quantities are
very limited. Book early.
Original 2009 description:
April Release (revised)
Bierzo, Spain
OLD VINES MENCIA
The Region:
Bierzo (pronounce: Bee-ER-tho) is in northwest Spain near the border of Galicia and Castilla y Leόn. It is a rugged area of steep hillsides with slate out-croppings. Weather is moderated by the nearby Atlantic Ocean so is cooler and wetter than most of Spain.
There are about 9,000 acres of small vineyards still being worked today by about 4,200 growers. Most vines are over 30 years old with many being 80-100 years old.
The Grape:
Mencia (pronounce: Men-THEE-ah). This red grape is the region’s primary grape. Most believe that monks brought it to the area centuries ago from Central Europe.
Until about 10 years ago, the wines were made following hand-me-down tradition. They were very light and rustic with little appeal to consumers outside the area. That changed when young, avant-garde winemakers, trained in modern techniques, discovered the area’s old vineyards and realized their potential. Soon new-style Mencia was released. The resultant buzz started immediately and Mencia became Spain’s newest “Hot” wine.
Modern Mencia is sometimes likened to Cabernet Franc or Rhone Syrah. Like us, more reviewers note the similarity to Burgundy’s bright, cherry inflected Pinot Noirs. It is truly compelling and a great discovery!
Our Mencia:
Our vines average 50 years. Many have reached 100 years. Their tiny yields mean very concentrated flavours.
The wine ferments on virgin, crushed, Mencia grapes from the ancient vineyards.
Light toast Hungarian oak cubes, added post-fermentation, contribute light toast and vanilla notes while letting bright cherry, plum and rose hip elements dominate. Slate-like character adds depth. Good acidity and tannins firm enough to give balance and a solid structure.
Aging:
Sneak a taste after at least 3 months then try to hold the balance for a year or more.
Food Pairings:
Serve at 18o with roasted, cured or stewed meats, turkey, pastas or mild cheeses. A delight on its own.
All kits come with appropriate labels.
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