Mencía

TL; DR

Mencía is an expressive, unique red grape best known from the region of Bierzo in northwest Spain.

So, what is it?--red

Mencía is a red grape best known to make medium-bodied, fruity and earthy wines with stony minerality. After many years without much attention given to it, Mencía has recently enjoyed something of a revival in recent decades!

Where did Mencía originate?--aromatic

Most signs point to Bierzo in northwest Spain as its home. However, DNA testing indicates that Mencía is actually the same grape as "Jaen" in Portugal! This has meant there is some disagreement on the origin of this grape. As it could well have been brought there from Dão in Portugal.

Bierzo is a mountainous region in the northwestern corner of Spain, only 2 hours drive from the northern border of Portugal. Here it grows on the mountainside and produces spicy, grippy wines with plenty of flexibility for food pairing.

Who's famous for Mencía?--racy

Mencía is rarely seen grown anywhere outside of Spain and Portugal. In Spain, it grows in Ribera Sacra, Monterrei, and Valdeorras, bust the most famous and highest quality examples are from the mountainous region of Bierzo. Bierzo is a region with a dramatic, high-altitude terroir in the northwestern corner of Spain — only a 2-hour drive from the northern border of Portugal. In Portugal, we see it most planted in the Dão and Beira Interior. Here there's often a splash of other local varietals blended into the wine, but with Mencia still making up around 85% of the final wine.

What does Mencía taste like?--aromatic

Mencía is traditionally known for flavours of sour cherry, pomegranate, red cherry and ripe alpine strawberry. Meaning it has a tart crunch! Secondary notes of black peppercorn, liquorice, violets and gravel, make it effortlessly elegant and earthy too. The wines are medium-bodied, with noticeable minerality, expressed as crushed rocks or gravel. Mencía has fine chalky tannins - so you will notice them but rarely do they get overly grippy. If you like fresh, floral and earthy reds with a kick of spice, this is your grape!

What styles is Mencía is known for?--cellar

Traditionally, the style is medium-bodied, fragrant and fresh.

The most expressive (and expensive) styles are from old vine single vineyards high up in the mountains of Bierzo. These are the most concentrated and age-worthy examples.

Oak is used sparingly, as it can overwhelm Mencía's rather delicate flavour profile. However when it is used, the tannins are softer, and you may notice more notes of spices like clove and nutmeg.  

What foods pair with Mencía?--plum

Steak with pepper sauce is a flat out winner here, but don't be afraid to be a bit more adventurous. Sheep's milk cheeses are great, like Manchego and Serra da Estrela! And cheddar can enhance some of the fruity flavours here too. Another easy score is chicken or beef fajitas and tacos. On the veggie side of things, risottos and vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes and olives also work quite nicely. Keep in mind the herby spices inherent to this grape and you'll be in good pairing company — think fennel, caraway seeds, anise, pepper, hickory.

Fun fact--earth

Since this great grape is still flying under the radar, Mencía is one of those grapes that you can find tremendous value from. You can usually find a great quality bottle for around $25 (£15)! Take advantage of the inside knowledge before the secret gets out!

If you like this, you should also give these grapes a guzzle...--wines

Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Syrah

About the Author & Artist

Alex is a certified sommelier that spends more time running in old-growth forests than any other somm — impulsively training her nose while at it! A talented illustrator with a unique style, her doodling works are inspired by the world of wine - and somehow, seem to improve after a glass or two.