Behind the Cork™ - Pagos de Galir Mencía

IMG_1036.jpg

2016 Pagos de Galir Mencía ($17)

This 100% Mencía (men-thee-uh) is from the Valdeorras region which is located on the eastern-most fringes of Galicia, in North-Western Spain.

It was cold macerated, went through malolactic conversion and aged in French and American oak barrels for six months.

This Mencía exhibits some herbal notes of mint along with the dark fruit aromas. On the palette its got black cherry and plum, some moderate acidity and tannin yet finishes with light notes.

This medium-bodied Mencía from Pagos de Galir is a wine that would pair as well with turkey or pork as it would with beef or lamb.

Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

Godelia Mancia.jpg

2014 Godelia Mencia ($19)

In a recent Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week I reviewed Godelia's White blend of Godello & Doña Blanco. I had to admit that I needed to do some research on these grape varieties. Here again, I need to do some homework.

The Mencia (men-thee-ah) grape is native to the northwest of Spain, with probably origins in Portugal. While in the past it has been only associated with table wines, the Mencia grape is becoming more widely known as a varietal.

The Godelia Mencia is cold-soaked and then begins to ferment as the tanks warm. The wine continues to soak on the skins for another six day. It spends 12 months on 90% French oak and 10% American oak, one-third of it being new oak.

This wine is very light on the nose, but exhibits good acidity and tannin, medium-bodied flavors of sour cherry and black licorice and finishes with a bit of characteristic acidity.

This was another fascinating introduction to a grape varietal. Godelia Mencia is definitely worth checking out. As a medium-bodied wine it pairs well with meat and cheese platters, a bold Spaghetti sauce or a nice grilled steak.

If you aren't familiar with Mencia, I strongly suggest given this one from Godelia a try! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission:  I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications