Mengoba Mencía Alicante Bouschet

The Mengoba winery is the personal project of the winemaker and vine grower Grégory Pérez. After studying in Bordeaux and working in renowned houses such as Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste and Château Cos d'Estournel, he felt strongly attracted to the Bierzo region. Perhaps it was due to his family's long-standing roots, or maybe the influence of wine-producing friends, but the truth of the matter is that Grégory succeeded in becoming one of the region's most highly regarded and admired producers.

His philosophy as regards work is based on knowledge of and deep respect for the vineyard. Keeping the soils alive seems fundamental to someone who's looking to maintain the richness of the ecosystem. Thus, he only utilises organic fertilisers in small quantities, applies natural remedies to combat diseases and limits yields to the vigour of the plant's natural growth. He uses solely native yeasts and restricts sulphur applications to the absolute minimum. According to Grégory, it's purely by respecting the origin of the grape that authentic wines are obtained.

A good example of all this is the Mengoba red, a blend of Mencía and Alicante Bouschet, an elegant and individual wine that enchants everyone who tries it. The Mencía grapes, the predominant variety, come from a steep, slate-strewn vineyard, over 80 years old and located 700 metres above sea level; the Alicante Bouschet, otherwise known as the Garnacha Tintorera, with 50 year-old vines lying at 550 metres. The land is cultivated traditionally, with animals (cows) playing their part and all the grapes are harvested by hand. In the bodega, the wine is matured in large-capacity oak casks so as not to detract from the fruit.

Thus a red is obtained that's a lovely violet colour with a nose of cherries, black plums, liquorice, blue flowers and a touch of cocoa. On the palate it combines the body and maturity of the Alicante Bouschet (one of the few surviving grapes to have dark pulp) with the Mencía's freshness, resulting in a juicy, fresh, powerful and refined wine. Spices, hints of woodland trees and laurel conceal slightly harsh tannins which fade away with a little aeration. The mouthfeel becomes silky, pleasant, lactic, streamlined by an acidity that makes it very easy to drink. Having a fresh and rounded finish, with ash and spice suggestions that invite further sipping.