Mencia

Mencia is a red grape variety native to the Galicia region of northwest Spain. It is known for its bright, fruity wines with an intense herbal character.

The Mencia grape produces medium-bodied, fruity wines with aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, plums and herbs. The wines are known for their firm tannins and sometimes high acidity, which gives them a crisp, zesty finish.

Mencia is primarily grown in Galicia and Bierzo, with small plantings in other regions such as Madrid and the Canary Islands. The Mencia grape is a late-ripening variety and prefers cool climates with high rainfall. It is a vigorous variety that is susceptible to botrytis and mildew. Winemakers can use oak and a range of techniques, such as extended maceration, to create full-bodied wines. Carbonic maceration is used to emphasize the variety's fruit characteristics and to lower the tannins. In Galicia, Mencia is used to make light-bodied, fruity wines with herbal aromas. In Bierzo the wines are usually fuller-bodied and more concentrated, with darker fruit and savoury notes. Mencia wines are versatile and pair well with a range of dishes. They are a great match for slow-cooked stews, grilled meats, and game dishes.

The Mencia grape is becoming more and more popular especially in the natural wine scene due to its ability to produce very light and fresh wines.