Description
From: Valtuille de Abajo, Bierzo, Castilla y León, Spain
Varietal: Mencía
Taste: In the glass, the wine shows a vivid ruby hue with blue and violet undertones. On the nose, it opens with high-toned aromas of wild redcurrant, raspberry, and sour cherry, followed by savory undertones of black pepper, licorice root, and dried bay leaf. The palate is medium-bodied and agile, with brisk acidity driving flavors of red plum, cranberry, and crushed herbs. A light mineral thread of slate and iron adds depth through the mid-palate. Tannins are fine and slightly dusty, framing a clean, tangy finish marked by red fruit skin and a hint of smoked paprika.
Pairing: Mencía’s naturally high acidity, moderate alcohol, and herbal-tinged red fruit make it exceptionally versatile for pairing with food. Start with dishes that highlight acidity, herbs, or gentle umami, this wine is not about power, but about lift and freshness. Lean proteins, such as grilled chicken thighs with rosemary or seared pork loin with fennel and olives, pair well with the wine’s structure.
About: Vinos Guerra is based in the village of Valtuille de Abajo, in the Bierzo region of northwestern Spain’s Castilla y León. ‘Armas de Guerra’ is the flagship label of Vinos Guerra, the oldest winery in Bierzo and among the most historic in Spain. Founded in 1879 by Don Antonio Guerra, the winery has played a foundational role in shaping the modern identity of Bierzo wine. Guerra was not only a pioneer in local viticulture but also one of the first winemakers in Spain to bottle sparkling wine using the méthode champenoise. His innovation extended beyond wine; he also produced a broad range of spirits, including vermouth, anisettes, and traditional aguardientes.