Avancia Mencia 2016

Ideally drink now through 2028

Hailing from a vineyard planted in 1904, this 100% Mencia is an incredibly pure, true expression of the varietal. With a deep red color leaning towards purple, the Bodegas Avancia Mencia shows high toned cherry and blueberry aromas, with a light hint of pepper and provencal herbs. On the palate, this wine has an intensely floral and rich fruity character, with subtle tannins and a spicy, raspberry packed finish.

Peppered steak, Spanish smoked cheeses, and roast pork tenderloin packed with herbs would all be delightful when eaten next to this wine. Because of its rich, intensely fruity nature, anything on a grill or with a smoky flavor would also be delicious.

Jorge Ordonez, owner of Bodegas Avancia and a stalwart supporter of all Spanish wines, believes that the grapes used to make this wine are some of the most unique in all of the Valdeorras, the region that Bodegas Avancia calls home. This is due to their planting in pure slate soils high on inclined slopes above the Sil River. Completely hand cultivated and dry farmed, the vineyard produces complex and intense examples of Mencia. Aging for 13 months in French oak barriques only adds to this wines dark, intricate character