CASA DE OUTEIRO | Mencía | Ribeira Sacra | 2020
mencía

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Today we are going to review a single varietal mencía wine from Spain‘s little known Ribera Sacra region – Mencía | Ribeira Sacra 2020 by Casa de Outeiro. Mencía is an expressive red grape variety, grown widely in north-western Spain, especially in the Bierzo and Ribera Sacra regions. Mencía makes quite perfumed and relatively light-bodied red wines that are usually intended for early drinking. These wines contain high amounts of aroma compounds called terpenoids, which brings up lovely floral flavours and ripe red fruits notes to the foreground. This particular wine is signed by the famous winemaker, Mauricio Lorca, and in order to add extra complexity and at the same time to preserve the varietal characteristics of the mencía grapes, the wine has been aged for only 3 months, partially in european and partially in american oak barrels. That said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
colour: medium-deep | ruby color
clarity: hazy | ruby-purple shades

//Olfactory
intensity: pronounced & earthy
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, the wine presents a ripe and inviting fruit character, with notes of cranberry, redcurrant and blackberry that intertwine gracefully. The next layer reveals an earthy allure, with hints of soil dust, compost and turf, complemented by subtle tones of clay, loam and marl. There is a delightful interplay between the fruit and the earthy aromas, where bay leaf, thyme and violets add a touch of herbal complexity. A subtle nuance of brown olive and wormwood emerges, alongside a gentle whisper of sweet potato. The wine’s aromatic profile is completed with hints of mushroom, lending an intriguing and earthy dimension to its aromatic profile.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: medium+ | balance: poor
finish: medium- | aftertaste: rough & angular

On the palate, the wine presents itself with a sharp and angular character, revealing its unpolished nature. The underripe fruit character takes center stage, showcasing hints of tartness and a touch of greenness. The interplay between black fruits and earthy notes adds depth and complexity, while the wine’s crisp acidity brings vibrancy to the palate. However, the presence of green tannins creates a rough and angular texture on the finish. An overwhelming touch of alcoholic warmth emerges, leaving a lingering and coarse sensation. This wine offers a bold experience, suited for those who appreciate a sharp and untamed expression.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | needs time – drink in 2 or 3 years
verdict: nice | somehow enjoyable wine

Overall, this wine presents a challenging and austere character, with sharp and angular edges that dominate over the palate. The mouthfeel is marked by green and astringent notes, lacking any form of harmony. While it may not appeal to those seeking a smooth and refined experience, this wine showcases an intriguing personality that will captivate those who appreciate bold and unapologetic expressions. It embodies the untamed essence of its origin, offering a unique tasting adventure for wine enthusiasts who seek a wine with an unconventional and distinctive character.

//Scoring
CASA DE OUTEIRO | Mencía | Ribeira Sacra | 2020
variety: mencía
country: Spain
region: Ribera Sacra
rating: 89.1
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This is definitely a nice wine of Spain and, with a total of 89.1 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Based on the wine’s sharp, green and angular character, we would recommend pairing it with a grilled peppercorn steak, served with roasted potatoes and sautéed wild mushrooms. The wine’s firm structure and rough edges will counterbalance the robust flavors of the steak, while its ample and firm nature will complement the meat’s savory textures. The subtle oak flavors and earthy undertones in the wine will harmonize beautifully with the peppercorn seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor profile of both the wine and the dish. This pairing promises to create a culinary experience that celebrates the wine’s terroir-driven character and elevates the dining experience to new levels of indulgence. Cheers!

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© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation.