
Mencia
Learn about Mencia — taste profile, popular regions and more …
Calling the far western appellations of the Iberian Peninsula home, Mencia was once only deemed capable of producing simple and light red wines. But post-phylloxera growers only planted this variety on low, fertile plains, which produced high yields and uncomplicated finished wines. The recent rediscovery of the ancient, abandoned vines planted on rugged hillsides of deep schist has unveiled the potential of Mencia and added discredit to its old reputation. Primarily found in the Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras regions of Spain and in the Dão of Portugal (where it is called Jaen), Mencia is an early ripening, low acid grape that can produce wines of great concentration, complexity and ageability.
Tasting Notes for Mencia
Mencia is a dry, red wine that possess characters such as raspberry, red currant, boysenberry, pomegranate, black licorice, spice cake, black pepper, Asian spice and crushed gravel. Some styles remain light and fruit-dominant while the more serious versions, aged in new oak, more complexity and concentration.
Perfect Food Pairings for Mencia
Mencia is excellent with all manner of meat dishes: Steak au Poivre, corned beef, charcuterie, game, and carne asada, to name a few. Mencia will also work with many vegetarian dishes such as grilled portabello, mushroom risotto, wild rice pilaf and smoked tofu.
Sommelier Secrets for Mencia
Never had Mencia? Well if you like Pinot Noir and other aromatic reds (like Gamay), definitely investigate Mencia. Many affordable options abound as well as higher-end, more complex versions. Often the latter contain other varieties for adding depth and complexity, or come from the extremely old vines.
- Pinot Noir4412
- Other Red Blends2986
- Cabernet Sauvignon2449
- Bordeaux Red Blends1853
- Syrah/Shiraz1479
- Rhône Blends1408
- Sangiovese983
- Merlot862
- Nebbiolo832
- Tempranillo827
- Other Red Wine724
- Zinfandel722
- Malbec600
- Cabernet Franc347
- Grenache344
- Barbera332
- Gamay251
- Tuscan Blends205
- Petite Sirah195
- Carmenere124
- Mourvedre113
- Dolcetto112
- Primitivo108
- Pinotage97
- Montepulciano83
- Nero d'Avola73
- Blaufrankisch58
- Aglianico57
- Petit Verdot51
- Lagrein38
- Negroamaro38
- Mencia34
- Zweigelt30
- Carignan26
- Refosco26
- Bonarda23
- Sagrantino23
- St. Laurent19
- Touriga Nacional18
- Teroldego18
- Tannat13
- Agiorgitiko10
- Trousseau10
- Bobal9
- Corvina8
- Grignolino7
- Xinomavro7
- Nerello Mascalese5
- Pinot Meunier4
- Lambrusco3
- Gaglioppo3
- Mondeuse3
- Valdiguie2
- Schiava2
- Alicante Bouschet1
- Baga1
- Poulsard1
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Bodegas Raul Perez Vico Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
- W&S
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Vinos de Arganza Flavium Seleccion Mencia 2011Mencia from Bierzo, Spain
- WE
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Losada Bierzo 2011Mencia from Bierzo, Spain
- WS
- WE
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Vinos de Arganza Flavium Premium Crianza Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
- WE
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Tridente Tridente Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
- RP
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Tridente Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
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Dominio do Bibei Ribeira Sacra Lalama 2011Mencia from Spain
- WE
- RP
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Losada El Pajaro Rojo Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
- WS
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Martin Sarmiento Cuatro Pasos Mencia 2011Mencia from Bierzo, Spain
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Dominio de Tares Mencia Baltos 2011Mencia from Spain
- WE
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A Portela Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
- RP
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Descendientes de Jose Palacios Petalos 2011Mencia from Spain
- RP
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Bodegas Avancia Tinto Cuvee Mostiero Mencia 2011Mencia from Valdeorras, Spain
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Dominio de Tares Cepas Viejas Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
- WE
- WS
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Godelia Mencia Bierzo 2011Mencia from Bierzo, Spain
- WS
- WE
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Tridente Avante Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
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Telmo Rodriguez Valdeorras Gaba do Xil Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
- RP
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Bodegas do Campo Vina do Campo Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
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Bodegas Raul Perez Bierzo Dargo Mencia 2011Mencia from Spain
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Bodegas Raul Perez Ultreia Mencia 2011Mencia from Bierzo, Spain
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Cuatro Pasos Mencia 2011Mencia from Bierzo, Spain
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Bodegas Virxen del Galir Pagos de Galir Mencia 2011Mencia from Valdeorras, Spain
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Bodegas Valdesil Valderroa Mencia 2011Mencia from Valdeorras, Spain
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Castro Ventosa Bierzo El Castro de Valtuille Joven Mencia 2011Mencia from Bierzo, Spain