Variety: 100% Mencia
Region: Valdeorras, Spain
Cost: $17 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Intense cherry colour with violet hints in the meniscus. Interesting mixture of aromas or red fruits and licorice together with the balsamic and spicy notes from its short stay in barrel. In the palate, we discovery velvety tannin with a slightly acid ending which will provide the wine with freshness and with a long, fruity, and mineral aftertaste. It is perfect for sharing with the typical products in the area like stews and cold meats.
My Review: I always enjoy getting to try a new grape, and the Mencia definitely qualifies. I wracked my brain (and this blog) trying to remember if I’d ever even had the grape in a blend, but nothing came to mind (or a search), so this was certainly a new one.
In the glass the 2016 Pagos de Galir Mencia was a bright cherry color. On the nose I picked up aromas of red fruits and spices. In the mouth the wine carried through bright red fruit notes, with cherry and raspberry being the most prominent, but hints of blueberry showing up as well.
My wife and I paired the wine with flank steak, shrimp, and asparagus on the grill. The wine paired well, the bright fruit notes, soft tannins, and clean finish working well with our food.
Overall the wine was good, but not necessarily memorable. Granted, for $17 I don’t know that I needed it to be, but it wasn’t one that I found myself thinking of or pining for after the last drop had been poured. Still, for a middle of the week wine, it’s serviceable and the bright notes will pair well with a range of foods.
Editor’s Note: I received this wine as a free sample for review.
