For September, I go to Spain for my pick. I also go to a varietal that most folks are not familiar with…Mencia. Mencia was once thought to be an ancient clone of Cabernet Franc, but that was found to be false. It has very similar qualities to Cab Franc, floral, a touch vegetal and lighter on the palate. However, it is not a relative. There is a grape from Portugal called Jaen, and that is the twin to Mencia which is also known as Loureiro Tinto among other names. The cool thing is that Spanish producers who once treated this varietal as a simple table red, are now taking it seriously, and we get to enjoy the fruits of their labor (no pun intended). My pick this month is 100% Mencia.
September Pick Of The Month….Mencia
2012 Vinos De Arganza Lagar De Robla (Castilla Y Leon, Spain)… $8.
Aromas of rusty cherries, violets, sage and earth with hints of raspberries and licorice. Mineral notes front to back on the palate supporting intense notes of currants and dark cherries on a spine of violets and raspberries. Tobacco notes join the party a bit late with gritty tannins on the finish. Finishes clean and delicious with mineral and fruit notes lingering. This is an amazing wine for eight bucks which I believe crosses the line between old world and new world quite nicely. (B/B+)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
