Picturesque Bierzo, one of the newer Spanish DO’s is a small region in Northwest Spain, is sheltered from both the climactic extremes of the Atlantic Ocean and the hot, central plateau of the Duero River by. The region’s well-defined soils of slate and granite result in red wines of rich, balanced fruit.  One of the neatest things about Bierzo is that all of the wines are made from 100% of the local red variety, called Mencia, which, though obscure, is capable of producing some really spectacular red wines.

For three generations the Garcia family, proprietors of Pago de Valdoneje, have been making wine. , The present patriarch, Marcos Garcia, continued the tradition of making wine only for family and friends in the surrounding region, but in 2001, as the reputation and demand for their wine grew,  he decided to offer small quantities to other markets with the US being the first export opportunity.

The Mencia grapes for this wine come from 5 hectares of estate vineyards located in Valtuille de Abajo sub-region of Bierzo. The vines are anywhere from 50 to 100 years old and provide wine that is rich, dark, full-bodied and robust.  The winemaking is overseen by famed local enologist Raul Garcia, this is a wine known for its fragrant, mouth-filling fruit characteristics. In order to preserve the integrity of the old vines while delivering a fresh, modern palate, traditional winemaking techniques are augmented by 100% fermentation in stainless steel cuves. The wine sees no wood before bottling with total production for this vintage at under 2500 cases.

This wine is full of rich, dark fruit, and bright acidity.  Try it with salmon, hamburgers, and Spanish chorizo (the mexican kind is spicier and doesn’t go well). Drink now – 2012