Cuesta de los Olivos MENCIA 2018

Red wines from the Dao should always demonstrate a certain succulence from a combination of altitude and granitic soils, but Maias Tinto goes the extra mile. At these even higher vineyards (around 650m), Jaen (Tinta Mencia) captures in the glass delicious crunchy fruit in this medium bodied wine. Maias is the local name for the Weaver's Broom plant which surrounds the estate here (its yellow flowers blossom in May in this part of Dao, hence its nickname - Maio is the word for May).

Unoaked red from Bierzo in the cooler north-west of Spain. Mencía is the grape and it makes a fruity, plump and joyful style of wine that is a delight drunk lightly chilled. Luna Beberide are pioneers in this corner of the country, farming sustainably, without herbicides or pesticides. The vines are planted on south-facing slopes at 700-metres above sea level for the freshness that altitude brings.

The gout-de-terroir is strong in this wine. The ageing on its lees in oak is only used to enhance the wine, make it bigger and more intense without interfering with the grape variety’s characteristics. The wine is cherry red with a violet rim and a thick body. Extremely elegant nose with hints of chocolate and liquor integrated with the Mencía’s red fruit. The palate is solid, round, full bodied and, at the same time, silky and full of fruit. The Burt Reynolds 70's Porno tribute label is a triumph!

Dark ruby in colour. Savory aromas on the nose with mineral and black fruit. Well-structured and elegant, with mineral, smoky, balsamic, and subtle hints of black fruit