April Grand Crew 2025

Mighty Mencia!

Mencía (pronounced Men-THEE-ah or Men-SEE-ah, depending on where you are) is a grape variety that’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves. Primarily grown in northwestern Spain, especially in Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra, Mencía thrives on steep, slate, and schist-laden vineyards, producing wines that beautifully reflect their terroir. Mencía often draws comparisons to Pinot Noir and Syrah, thanks to its vibrant red fruit, floral aromatics, and mineral backbone. Expect flavors of tart cherry, wild raspberry, pomegranate, and red currant, often layered with herbal notes like thyme and fennel, and hints of crushed rock or graphite. As it ages, Mencía develops more complexity—think earthy, smoky nuances with a touch of leather.

Mencía’s versatility allows it to shine in various styles—from youthful, vibrant, unoaked expressions that highlight its fresh fruit and floral qualities to more serious, barrel-aged wines that gain complexity and structure over time. Some producers are also experimenting with whole-cluster fermentation, adding spice and texture reminiscent of cool-climate Syrah. For this month’s Grand Crew wine club, we are going to dive into three stellar expressions of Mencía from three different appellations and put this remarkable variety to the test!

Dominio do Bibei Lalama Ribeira Sacra 2021

Ribeira Sacra DO – With its jaw-droppingly steep vineyards along the Sil and Miño rivers, Ribeira Sacra’s Mencía tends to be more elegant, floral, and high-toned. The wines are lighter-bodied, with bright acidity and an emphasis on minerality. Think more finesse, less power—ideal for Burgundy lovers.

The 2021 vintage of Lalama is vibrant and layered, with aromas of wild red berries—raspberry, cranberry, and red cherry—mingling with floral notes of violets and dried rose petals. Subtle herbal nuances of thyme and bay leaf emerge, alongside a distinct wet slate minerality that reflects the stony terroir of Ribeira Sacra. Elegant and fresh on the palate, medium bodied with a silky, supple texture. The bright acidity lifts the vibrant red fruit flavors, while fine-grained tannins provide structure without overwhelming. Notes of crushed strawberries, tart red plum, and pomegranate unfold, followed by savory hints of wild herbs, graphite, and a delicate saline quality that lingers through the long, mineral-driven finish.

Pro Tip: Serve slightly cool to highlight its freshness and minerality. Pairs effortlessly with grilled octopus, grilled vegetables, or a classic Galician-style empanada.

Ladeiras do Xil Valdeorras LG Valbuxan Tinto 2020

Valdeorras DO – Though better known for white varietals such as Godello, Valdeorras is producing some truly intriguing Mencía. These wines tend to balance freshness and structure, often sitting stylistically between Bierzo’s intensity and Ribeira Sacra’s elegance.

The 2020 vintage of Valbuxan (val-bu-SHAHN) is highly aromatic and expressive, offering complex fresh red fruit— think wild strawberries, red currants, and sour cherry—layered with floral notes of lavender and crushed violets. Earthy undertones of damp forest floor and subtle hints of crushed granite emerge, reflecting the slate and granite soils of Valdeorras. A touch of black pepper, bay leaf, and a whisper of smoky minerality add depth. On the palate, the wine is bright and lively, with a medium body and vibrant acidity that keeps the palate energized. Juicy red berry flavors dominate, with raspberry, cranberry, and pomegranate taking center stage. Silky tannins provide structure while maintaining elegance, allowing savory notes of thyme, rosemary, and a subtle saline edge to unfold. A delicate mineral core adds complexity and precision.

Pro Tip: Serve slightly chilled to enhance its vibrant fruit and acidity. Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, mushroom risotto, or roasted root vegetables.

Jose Antonio Garcia Bierzo Valtuille De Abajo Vino De Villa 2020

Bierzo DO – The heartland of Mencía, Bierzo produces richer, more concentrated expressions. Wines here often show darker fruit (black cherry, plum), with structured tannins and a touch of spice. Bierzo’s continental climate, tempered by Atlantic breezes, allows for balanced ripening, making these wines absolutely age-worthy.

The 2020 vintage of JAG Valtuille is elegant yet powerful, with a captivating bouquet of ripe red and dark fruit—wild strawberry, red cherry, and blackberry—intertwined with floral notes of violets, primrose, and perfumed black tea. Earthy nuances of forest floor and crushed herbs mingle with graphite, smoky slate, and a subtle hint of sweet baking spices from well-integrated oak. The palate is silky and polished, with medium body and vibrant acidity that perfectly balances densely concentrated fruit. Juicy red plum, black raspberry, and cranberry unfold alongside layers of savory herbs like thyme and bay leaf. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and grip without overshadowing the wine’s elegance. A distinct mineral streak, reflecting Bierzo’s slate and clay soils, adds complexity and precision.

Pro Tip: Decant for 30–45 minutes to allow the wine’s aromatics to fully open up. Pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, chargrilled pork, or mushroom-based dishes.