Mencía (2021)

About this wine

The 2021 Marqués de Toro Mencía from Castilla y León presents a deep ruby color and enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and blueberries, complemented by subtle smoky cedar notes. On the palate, it offers a silky texture with juicy red fruit flavors, balanced by herbal undertones and a touch of spice, leading to a persistent finish. This wine is crafted from the Mencía grape, a variety native to Spain's northwest, known for producing wines with vibrant fruit profiles and refreshing acidity. The region's unique microclimate and diverse soils contribute to the wine's complexity and depth. Aged for eight months in French oak barrels, this Mencía showcases a harmonious blend of fruit and oak influences, making it a noteworthy example of the varietal.

About the grape

Mencía is a red grape variety native to the Iberian Peninsula, primarily grown in northwest Spain and northern Portugal. Historically, it was used to produce light, pale red wines meant for early consumption. However, in recent years, winemakers have focused on cultivating Mencía from old vines on hillsides with schist soils, leading to more concentrated and complex wines. In the Castilla y León region, particularly in areas like Bierzo, Mencía thrives due to the unique microclimate and soil composition, contributing to the grape's distinctive characteristics.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The Mencía grape, native to northwest Spain and Portugal, is known for its vibrant red fruit flavors and floral aromas.
• ⛰️ Mencía wines often exhibit a distinctive minerality, attributed to the slate and granite soils where the vines are cultivated.
• 🧬 Historically, Mencía was mistaken for Cabernet Franc due to their aromatic similarities, but DNA profiling has confirmed it as a distinct variety.
• 🌦️ The grape ripens early, typically by mid to late September, making it less susceptible to autumn rains.
• 🌸 Mencía's high terpene content contributes to its aromatic complexity, offering floral and fruity notes.

Palate profile

Producer

Marqués de Toro is a distinguished winery located in the Toro region of Spain, an area renowned for its rich winemaking heritage that dates back to pre-Roman times. The winery is situated in the province of Zamora, within the autonomous community of Castile and León. The Toro region has a storied history, with its wines being highly esteemed during the Middle Ages and even accompanying Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World. In 1987, the Toro Denomination of Origin (D.O.) was officially established, recognizing the region's unique viticultural significance. Marqués de Toro continues this legacy by producing wines that reflect the area's rich history and terroir.