Losada - El Pajaro Rojo Mencia 2017

Losada - El Pajaro Rojo Mencia 2017 (88 tsomw points)

I was happily surprised after sniffing and tasting this red one from the Bierzo region and this wonderful Mencia grape variety. I have to try more of this grape! Losada Vinos de Finca is a young wine company in Bierzo, a small DO in the mountains between Galicia and the Spanish Plateau. In this rugged area the blue mencía, often called jaen, is the most important grape.

Most vintners in Bierzo grow their grapes on slate and granite soils. However, Losada Vinos de Finca decided to look for grapes from old vineyards on clay soil. Wine maker Amancio Fernández Gómez is convinced that these small, lovingly tended vineyards produce the most expressive wines.

The grapes are harvested by hand and after arrival in the cellar they are de-stoned and bruised. Gómez then allows the yeasts that are naturally present on the grape skins to do the work. Finally, the wines ripen in oak barrels that are only lightly roasted.

My tasting notes:

In the glass a dark purple red color.
On the nose intense aromas of dark cherries, blackberries with hints of leather, spices, cedar and flowers.
On the palate dry, medium bodied with nice acidity and medium tannins. Flavours of dark plums, cherries, cloves and vanilla. Very nice and long aftertaste. Very good value wine.