You may have recently noticed some buzz around a little Spanish grape called Mencia (pronounced men-thee-a). This varietal is not new, in fact, it’s been planted in the Bierzo region of northwestern Spain for centuries and is thought to be a long-lost relative of France’s Cabernet Franc. The reason for the recent buzz is that this grape is now being turned into some top quality wines. Mencia has a fruity and delicate tasting profile with great ageability. We also find it is a really versatile food wine.

We currently work with two high-quality Mencia producers from the Bierzo DO — Pittacum and Losada. The 2008 Pittacum Bierzo just returned to stock as part of our Consignment Program (search for it on the site), while the 2006 Altos de Losada is available through  Vintages On-line as an on-line exclusive. We will be ordering again the old-vine (100+ vines) Aurea Bierzo from Pittacum later this Spring — a real treat for lovers of deep, dark, brooding wines.

Some say Mencia is the new Tempranillo. Try one and tell us what you think.