Production
From DO Monterrei, a small zone on the Galician border with Portugal - the area is best known for Godello-based whites, but is also capable of producing elegant and subtle reds from Mencia. The Mencia vines are over 20 yrs old, and grow at around 700m altitude. They are planted on sandy slate soils on the slopes of the Verin valley - near the villages of Oimbra, As Chás and Flariz. 50% of the grapes are fermented in stainless steel, and 50% in 5,000kg stainless steel open fermenters. The must undergoes delestage and pigéage, and maloloactic fermentation in barrel. It is aged for 3-6 months in 2-3 yr old French oak barrels.
Tasting notes
Delicately fragrant with layers of wild flowers and ripe red berries, backed by hints of pepper and spice from its brief time in French oak. An approachable, lighter style of red - chllable too!
Food match
Serve with traditional Galician empanadas!