2020 Paixar Mencía, Bodegas Luna Beberide, Bierzo, Spain
Critics reviews
The 2020 Paixar is the one wine from the portfolio that is completely different from the others and comes from high-altitude vineyards in the zone of Dragonte on slate soils. In 2020 and 2021 they used the whole field blend - reds and around 5% white grapes, which might have given it an extra spark of acidity. It matured in 5,000-liter oak vat and 500-liter oak barrels. It has a perfumed nose, elegant and floral, with good ripeness but without excess. It's finely textured with a chalky thread and great balance. It finishes long and dry. This is truly superb and should evolve nicely in bottle. It's now Vino de Paraje 'A Serra' in Dragonte, a parish of Corullón. 8,000 bottles were filled in November 2021.
Drink 2023 - 2032
Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate (January 2022)
About this WINE
Bodegas Luna Beberide
Mencía
Mencía is the primary grape of the Bierzo region and its undisputed star, covering nearly two-thirds of the vineyards. This red grape variety is grown almost exclusively in north-western part of Spain (especially in the DOs of Galicia, Valdeorras, Monterrei, and Ribeira Sacra). Mencía ripens early, by mid-September, and is well suited to the maritime climate of Bierzo where autumn rains are quite common.
Mencía has only recently come into spotlight as a quality, potential-laden grape variety. When properly made, it offers fascinating wines across a contrasting spectrum of styles; on the one end are fruity and forward wines with supple tannins and succulent fruit. On the other end are more concentrated, powerful styles with an exotic earthiness, smooth tannins and an enviable reflection of the minerally-rich Bierzo terroir.
Mencía is capable of making excellent wine on its own, with no need to sacrifice its unique character in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that are commonplace elsewhere in Spain.
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Description
This is an absolutely stunning example of the Mencía grape variety sourced from very old, high-altitude vines in the mountains of Dragonte. There is a delightful purity and elegance to this wine with an array of floral aromas leaping from the glass. On the palate there is bundles of complexity with intense black fruits alongside hints of black pepper and liquorice, balanced by a wonderful freshness and structure. The tannins are apparent but extremely well integrated which makes this wine very approachable in its youth but it will certainly have capacity to develop further complexity with age. The finish is extremely long and satisfying with the freshness making it very hard to resist another glass. This must be one of the finest wines I have ever tasted at this price point!
Drink 2022 - 2030
Hugo Dale, Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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