Mencia (pronounced men-thea) is a grape on the rise in Galicia, in northwestern Spain. This bottle is from the Valdeorras DO, situated immediately downstream of Bierzo on the River Sil. The nose is a lovely bouquet of ripe fruit and herbs. The schist laden soils add a distinct flintiness to this medium bodied wine, and flavors of juicy berry and plum play well with a lovely acidity and good tannin. Pair this wine with good charcuterie, in particular Spanish Jamon. -Brian Krause, Surdyk's Wine Consultant