MENCÍA DE ESPANILLO
SINGLE VINEYARD WINE • EL BIERZO
"The vertical elegance of the high mountains: a liquid expression that captures the untamed essence of Espanillo, where Mencía achieves an aristocratic finesse and vibrant slate minerality."
High Mountain Purity
Gregory Pérez, the soul behind Mengoba, interprets the Espanillo site through minimal intervention viticulture. Situated at extreme altitudes on pure rock soils, this wine is the result of respectful fermentation in foudres, allowing the tension of the slate to express itself without the veil of commercial wood.
1. Identity Profile
Winery: Bodegas y Viñedos Mengoba
Origin: Paraje de Espanillo, D.O. Bierzo, Spain
Varietal: 100% Old Vine Mencía
Aging: 11 months in noble wood foudres
Soil: Decomposed slate on extreme slopes
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Clear garnet color with violet reflections. Medium-low intensity, denoting its Burgundian finesse.
Nose: Wild profile. Currants, fresh raspberries, and a distinct note of wet stone and graphite.
Palate: Absolute verticality. Mineral acidity guides the sip to a sapid, long, and profoundly elegant finish.
3. Terroir Architecture
4. Gourmet Pairing
Haute Cuisine: Grilled Iberian pork feather, roasted squab, or long-aged red meats.
Origin Cuisine: The definitive companion to Botillo del Bierzo or wild mushroom and game rice dishes.
Serving: Light aeration in the glass is recommended. Serve at 16°C.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What differentiates it from a conventional Mencía?
Its unique single vineyard origin and its altitude. While other Mencías can be warm, Espanillo seeks Atlantic freshness and the vibration of the rock.
Is it a very oaky wine?
No. Gregory Pérez uses large capacity foudres to allow micro-oxygenation without adding toasted flavors that would hide the fruit and mineral character.