Winemaker Notes
From single parcel (Meixemán) of seventy plus year old vines. This is the adega's original parcel and has been in the family for generations. The vineyard is planted on a mix of granite and schist.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has crazy aromas reminiscent earth with red berries, a floral element and dried herbs. The medium- to full-bodied palate has firm yet polished tannins and a juicy, succulent, energetic profile that finishes expansively and beautifully. A perfect combination. Best ever from this single vineyard. This comes from an old 2.5-hectare vineyard planted on schist soils. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2022 Guímaro Meixemán, a blend of 70% Mencía with other varieties from the Meixemán parcel in Amandi, was fermented with 50% whole clusters and aged for one year in barrels and casks. The 2022 offers ripe red and black fruit aromas, with hints of stems and white pepper. The palate is mature, with cherry flavors and energetic structure, delivering a compact, flavorful and long finish.
Range: 94-96 -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The nose and profile of the 2022 Finca Meixemán is a little darker than those from Capeliños and Pombeiras. It also has slightly higher ripeness and alcohol (13.5%) and feels a little earthy, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins that called for food. 2022 was not as warm and dry here as in other regions in Spain. It fermented with 55% full clusters and matured in used 225- and 500-liter barrels for one year.
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. And yet Mencia once suffered from a poor reputation and deemed capable of producing simple and light red wines. Post-phylloxera growers would grow this variety on low, fertile plains, which produced high yields and uncomplicated finished wines. Somm Secret—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.
Located in the center of the Galician region in northern Spain, the Ribeira Sacra is one of Spain's most beautiful vineyard areas with stunningly breathtaking views. Vines are planted in the steep valleys and precipitous gorges of the Rivers Miño and Sil that wind through Galicia's lush green countryside. The Ribeira Sacra region has similar dramatic landscapes as the Mosel or Douro Valleys, but a more sparse population and a tranquility unmatched. The region gained official DO status in 1996.
Both white wine and red wine production are dominated by blends of local Galician grapes, with varietal wines being the exception. Today, while the region has seen some consolidation and modern stainless-steel equipment is widespread, winemaking remains artisanal. This reflects the tiny landholdings and farmhouse wineries, along with a traditional and predominantly organic approach to viticulture. With such low yields and often minuscule production levels, these wines are highly sought-after and can be difficult to find on the export market.
Ribeira Sacra DO’s principal white grape varieties tend to be highly fragrant and include Albariño, Doña Blanca, Godello, Loureira, Torrontés and Treixadura. Principal red grape varieties here include Mencía, Brancellao, Merenzao, Caiño, Sousón and Tempranillo.