Bierzo is a somewhat lesser-known wine region on the Spanish mainland. However, what's unknown is unloved. This region has so much to offer. We're staying in the north of the country, northwest of the Spanish capital, Madrid. In Spain's largest autonomous region, Castilla y León, you'll find several leading wine regions. Of these, the Rueda and Ribera del Duero are the most famous. However, in the far corner, you'll also find a high-flyer: Bierzo. A close relative to Galicia, Bierzo offers a perfect combination of the heat of Spain and the fertility of Galicia.
Bierzo is best known for one grape: the Mencia. This grape, related to the classic Cabernet Franc from Bordeaux, has truly made waves in this region. It doesn't fare well in the extreme heat of the Spanish interior and enjoys a heavy rain shower every now and then. This makes Bierzo the ideal location. For Bodegas Losada Mencia Bierzo, the grapes are grown in various vineyards. After being harvested by hand, fermentation takes place. The icing on the cake is the 12 months of aging in used French oak. Because the barrels have already been used, Bodegas Losada Mencia Bierzo gains body while still retaining the characteristic freshness of the Mencia.
The Mencia wine from Bierzo has a unique palate. Dark blackcurrant fruit is gently tempered by fine minerals. Thanks to its French oak aging, Bodegas Losada Mencia Bierzo gains complexity with notes of dark chocolate, robust licorice, and a hint of toasted oak. It pairs particularly well with a delicious piece of meat.
