2020 Veronica Ortega ‘ROC’ Mencia, Bierzo, Spain

Like all of her wines, this is mostly Menca (here vines are 80-100 year old at 530mt altitude) with about 15% being local native white grapes (Palomino Fino, Godello, Doa Blanca) all organically farmed on clay, sand, slate, & limestone soils. The grapes are harvested by hand, 50% whole cluster, natural yeast fermentation in open-top vat with regular pigeage, 20 day maceration with the skins. The wine goes on to age for 14 months in neutral 225L French oak barrels before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with minimal s02 at bottling. One additional year in bottle aging before release.

Perhaps the most classic style Bierzo she makes characterized by compact red clay soils mixed with stones. This wine shows concentration with elegance and finesse. Many compare these wines to the elegance of Burgundy and the spice and tone of the Northern Rhne, though we think they should stand mightily in their own category of Bierzo fame.