Mencia
Mencia is a thick-skinned blue grape originating in either the Castilla y Leon region of north-west Spain or in neighbouring Portugal (here it’s called Jaén do Dão), depending on who you ask. It was once thought to be a cousin of Cabernet Franc, but DNA profiling has ruled that out. As far as I can tell, no-one in the USA is growing this grape, so, for now, you just have to source this wine from Spain or Portugal. And source it you should, as it’s good stuff.
This Mencia by Bodegas Triton was made from grapes from very low-yielding vines, fermented in steel tanks, then aged in second and third-use French oak barrels for ten months.
Tasting Notes
A rich, medium+ garnet red colour. Almost opaque at the centre.
Medium intense aroma. Earthy and lightly floral with ripe blackberry and a little plum.
Medium+ rounded tannin and nicely balanced medium+ acid.
Dry and pretty full-bodied.
Lengthy, fruity finish with a lightly floral tail end.
Conclusion
Considering the $14 price tag, this wine was an absolute bargain. The best thing about it for me was that it triggered memories of my childhood. My sister and I used to pick blackberries together in the local woodland, and the slightly floral crushed blackberry aroma of this wine took me back to those carefree days. What more could you want from a wine?
Do yourself a favour and try a bottle of Mencia soon. The 2014 vintage of this wine is currently on Wine.com for $15.99 (try the code GET10 for 10% off an order of 6 bottles or more)
Darren.