Mencía, “D. Ventura,” Viña Caneiro, Ribeira Sacra, Spain, 2015

Vital Signs: 100% Mencía from over 80 year old vines. Vina Caneiro is fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts so that it may bear the fruit and fineness of Ribera Sacra.
Ali's Assessment: Ever since the Romans inhabited the area, people have been growing grapes on the steep terraces lining the two rivers that form Ribera Sacra. Working these lands is extremely difficult, as the terraces in some areas are so steep that the grapes have to be brought in on a dumb waiter. This is a floral take on Mencía with dark purple fruit and loads of freshly cracked black pepper.