Description
14% alcohol, 30 year old vines, 60 degree slopes, whole cluster, SW facing, gneiss and slate – Whereas the world is vaguely familiar with Mencia due to its presence both in Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra, the following indigenous varieties are pretty much unknowns, which makes the following three cuvées particularly interesting reference point examples. Also known as Trousseau, a red variety also found in France’s Jura, as well as Bastardo in Galicia, its predominant characteristics are of more delicate red fruits and spice. From the Amandi subsector, this is again 100% whole cluster, foot tread, native yeasts, and aged in Burgundy sized barrels on the lees, vinified and aged in a fashion to nakedly present both the varietal and terroir impact. I think that any vinous adventurer would do themselves a solid to check in here……
“Like the Brancellao varietal bottling, the Merenzao varietal bottling has also been renamed and is now the 2015 Risco. Merenzao is the same grape variety as Trousseau and is also is found under different names in Galicia (Bastardo, Maria Ordoña). In addition to the varietal characteristics of a light and fragrant red, it also has a creamy touch with a hint of sweet spices, perhaps from its 13 months in oak. 2015 was a warm and ripe year, and this has notes of red cherries that achieved good ripeness; it’s a little more Mediterranean than other years. The palate is juicy, with clout but keeping its freshness, with fine tannins, quite drinkable and pleasant. (Feb 2019)” 93 Points Luis Guitierrez, Parker’s Wine Advocate for the 2015, NOT THE 2016 OFFERED HERE
