Mencía’s relatively concise geographical footprint has intrinsically bound the grape’s fortunes to the North Western corner of the Iberian peninsula where its roots took hold. Unfortunately, that pocket of Spain and Portugal is no stranger to turbulence. In addition to the human toll, the hardships of the area, Galicia in particular, prevented investment and care in vineyards. Slowly, however, since the mid twentieth century, a revitalization has been steadily underway. Much of that initial movement was due to a winemakers originally from North Western Spain who trained away from home only to return, convinced of the innate quality of the vineyards and the endemic grape varieties including Mencía. This reinvigoration put ancient vineyards back on the radar; high elevation, old vine sites planted on the slates and clays of the regions - and in doing so, has exposed the potential quality of Mencía and capturing international attention. 

On Thursday, June 1, Caitlin Perlman (recent Mencía fangirl) will host our first variety focused class in some time that will shine light squarely on Mencía. Though the class is about showcasing the variety, it is hard to untangle place given the limited plantings. This means tasting wines from Mencía’s most famous climes (Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Rías Baixas) to get a feel for the impact of terroir as well as winemaking philosophy. The line-up will include wines from some early protaganists: Raúl Pérez and Descendientes de J Palacios as well as those carving new paths forward including Guimaro, Bodega La Senda, Destinos Cruzados, and Dominio do Bibei. 

Quick note: we are dispelling rumors that Mencía is light and Pinot like. While it may be fragrant like Pinot Noir, the tannins tell a different story. Enough tannin in fact, that we thought best we serve some cheese to introduce some protein to the palate. So along with 9 Mencía, there will also be Manchego curado to nibble on.