Algueira Ribeira Sacra Mencía 2022

This is Algueira's entry-level Mencía, made from the estate's younger vines on the slate terraces above the Sil.

Ribeira Sacra, inland in Galicia, is one of the most difficult places in Europe to grow grapes: the vineyards cling to near-vertical slate and schist slopes rising from the gorges of the Sil and Miño rivers, and almost everything is done by hand. Algueira is among the region's leading estates and helped establish its modern reputation. Where its premium releases are fermented as whole bunches and aged in oak, the grapes for this early-release wine are destemmed and raised entirely in stainless steel. It ferments with indigenous yeasts and spends 15 to 20 days on skins. The intention is a wine that is immediately enjoyable and shows what Mencía does here without the frame of wood: red and blue fruit, a floral lift, a vibrant and racy palate, and the graphite minerality the slate gives.

Fresh, low in alcohol and ready now, it will hold for three or four years; serve slightly cool at 15-16°C with charcuterie, roast pork or grilled vegetables.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.