Mencia

Mencia (Mencia) is a black grape variety native to Northwest Spain. Best known for red wines of Bierzo, which were previously liquid and knit in the mouth, but with the development of old vines planted on poor soils high on the hills, became denser and denser – and attracted the attention of wine lovers from other countries.

Wine made from Mencia are distinguished by an earthy character with floral notes, hints of berries and a pronounced minerality.

Thick-skinned Mencia ink-purple berries used to be considered a relative of Cabernet franc. Modern DNA testing has disproved this theory, but revealed his identity to the Portuguese Jaen (Jaén), common in the region of Tao (Dão). This revived the question to the origin of the species, but as such considered to be Spanish Bierzo.

The role of Mensa as mustacciuolo variety, used in table wines in recent years have been revised due to the attention of Spanish wine of a new wave, in particular, Alvaro Palacios, one of the pioneers of the Catalan region of Priorat. Old vines, distinctive high-altitude terroir of Bierzo, coupled with advanced methods of viticulture and delicacy at the winery, have transformed the wines from this variety.

Today’s examples of Mensa have a rich complexity, vivid deep color, fresh acidity, restrained tannins and a luscious bouquet of dark fruit and herbs with hints of thyme and mint.

Mencia is a troublesome variety in the vineyard: is easily susceptible to Botrytis and mildew (logomachist Rosa), quickly loses its acidity, if not in time to pick berries. But is prone to lower yields, making it an interesting challenge for the winemaker, promising a worthwhile result. When you work with it and have vigilantly monitor the level of alcohol and acidity to keep the balance in the wine. Oak is not frequently used, because it may clog the fragile aromatics of the variety. Some manufacturers are experimenting with carbonitesm maceration to accentuate the fruit component of the bouquet and reduce the tannins.

Outside of Bierzo Mencia can be found in several North-Western Spanish DO, such as Valdeorras, Monterrey and Ribeira Sacra.