2021 Veronica Ortega ‘Quite’ Mencia, Bierzo, Spain

From a series of plots in Valtuille de Abajo, the mencia vineyards around 90/100 years old, on clay sandy soils with boulders (quartzites, slates…) predominant in the Bierzo valley. All organic viticulture, hand harvested, 100% destemmed grapes in stainless steel tanks, with a light work during fermentation, to avoid a marked extraction. Short macerations (5-7 days). Aging of about 7 months, in 5,000L and 3,500L French oak foudres.

The idea of this wine is to combine the minerality and fruitiness provided by the sand and clay soils, keeping the friendly and cheerful character of the Menca, resulting in an informal wine, with lots of fruit, very fresh and agile. Very drinkable, seductive nose of red fruits, blue flowers, light and slender texture on the palate. In short, Quite is a wine for any occasion, easily understandable and enjoyable.