Mencía

**Mencía** is a red grape from north-western Spain, at its best in the Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra regions, where it produces fresh, perfumed reds from often steep, slate-strewn hillside vineyards. Known as Jaen in Portugal's Dão, it has enjoyed a real revival as growers seek out old vines and cooler sites. **In the glass** — medium-bodied and aromatic, with red cherry, raspberry, floral notes and a distinctive mineral, sometimes graphite-like undertone; acidity is lively and tannins are fine, giving an elegant, almost cool feel. **Where it grows** — centred on Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra in Galicia and Castilla y León, with plantings across Valdeorras and, as Jaen, in Portugal. Old vines on schist and slate deliver the most compelling wines. **At the table** — versatile with grilled meats, cured pork and mushroom dishes. **Cellaring** — bright examples drink well young, while structured old-vine bottlings can develop nicely over several years.

Wines

• Colheita Selecionada — Rectoral de Amandi
• Dão — Casa de Mouraz
• Finca la Moura Single Vineyard Mencía — Marqués de Toro
• Gaba Mencía — Telmo Rodríguez
• Gaba do Xil Tinto — Telmo Rodríguez
• Instinto Romano — Un home
• Jaen Reserva — Taboadella
• La Cova de la Raposa — Raúl Pérez
• Las Gundiñas — La Vizcaína
• Lomas de Valtuille El Rapolao — La Vizcaína
• Lomas de Valtuille La Vitoriana — La Vizcaína
• Ultreia Saint Jacques — Raúl Pérez
• Ultreia de Valtuille — Raúl Pérez