Dominio de Tares Mencia 2001

El Bierzo is a bowl-like depression ringed by snowcapped peaks, its unique geological formation attributed to Roman master engineering (according to locals, the Romans drained an ancient mountain lake to access the mineral riches beneath its waters). On the frontier between Castilla y León and Galicia, its climate is moderated by a mixture of Continental and Atlantic influence. Soils are mineral, slate and quartzite predominating. El Bierzo's predominant local variety is the Mencía, descended from grapes brought by the Roman settlers and generally regarded as the immediate precursor to the Cabernet Franc. A great majority of the vines are over 30 years old.