Paixer Mencia, Bodegas Luna Beberide, Bierzo 2020
On the palate there is bundles of complexity with intense black fruits alongside hints of black pepper and liquorice, balanced by a wonderful freshness and structure.
Producer
Country
Region
Appellation
Vintage
2020
Wine Type
Grape(s)
Dietary
Alcohol %
Bottle Size
Location
The Paixer Mencia, Bodegas Luna Beberide, Bierzo 2020 is a captivating red wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Mencía grape. This wine greets you with a deep, dark red color and an inviting bouquet of blackberry, plum, and cassis. On the palate, it reveals a complex interplay of earthy notes like leather and smoke, complemented by hints of oak, tobacco, and vanilla
The wine’s medium acidity and forceful tannins provide a robust structure, while flavors of charcoal and dark fruits linger on the finish. It’s a wine that pairs beautifully with hearty dishes such as grilled meats and game, making it a versatile choice for various culinary experiences.
The tannins are apparent but extremely well integrated which makes this wine very approachable in its youth but it will certainly have capacity to develop further complexity with age. The finish is extremely long and satisfying with the freshness making it very hard to resist another glass. This must be one of the finest wines I have ever tasted at this price point!
Hugo Dale, Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd
The Paixar Mencía 2020 from Bodegas Luna Beberide is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The grapes are sourced from old vines, some over 80 years old, located in the high-altitude vineyards of Bierzo. These vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate that combines Atlantic and continental influences, contributing to the wine’s distinctive character.
The production process begins with a careful hand-harvest to ensure only the best grapes are selected. After destemming and gentle crushing, the fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the fresh fruit flavors and aromatic complexity. The wine undergoes a maceration period to extract color, tannins, and flavor compounds from the grape skins.
Aging is a crucial part of the process for Paixar Mencía. The wine is aged for about 14-16 months in French oak barrels, which adds layers of complexity and depth. During this time, the wine develops its signature notes of oak, tobacco, and vanilla, while the tannins soften and integrate, resulting in a well-balanced and harmonious wine.
This careful production and aging process ensures that each bottle of Paixar Mencía 2020 delivers a rich and memorable tasting experience.https://wine.penventon.co.uk/grape-type/mencia/
The Bierzo region is known for its cool climate and slate soils, ideal for growing the Mencía grape, the primary variety used to produce the local wines. Bierzo has two broad regions, the central plains and the hilly boarder regions. The finest wines are grown in the hilly regions. The region is also known for its steep, terraced vineyards, often planted on hillsides and mountainsides. Bodegas Luna Beberide, is a winery founded in 1987 by Alejandro Luna, who comes from a family with a long history of winemaking. The winery’s flagship is the Luna Beberide Mencía, made from 100% Mencía grapes. It is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, giving it a smooth and elegant character.
Mencia
Mencía, known as Jaen in Portugal, is a medium-bodied grape that produces high-quality wines with a bouquet of floral and red fruit flavors.
It is primarily found in the Spanish regions of Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, and Valdeorras, and in the Dão region of Portugal. Traditionally, wines made from Mencía were light, pale, and meant for early consumption. However, a new generation of winemakers has been producing more concentrated and complex wines, especially from old vines on hillsides with schist soils.
This has led to a renewed interest in Mencía. The grape is known for its high levels of terpenoids, which translate into enchanting flowery aromas, alongside notes of strawberry, raspberry, black licorice, pomegranate, and cherry sauce. On the palate, Mencía offers peppery flavors of sour cherry, red currant, and pomegranate, complemented by a bitter cherry pit note from the tannins
Wine Advocate 96/100
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
The Country
Spanish wines are a tapestry of rich flavors and storied traditions, deeply rooted in the country’s diverse landscapes. From the sun-drenched plains of La Mancha to the verdant valleys of Galicia, each region imparts its own distinct character to the wines produced. The noble Tempranillo grape reigns supreme in the prestigious Rioja and Ribera del Duero, where it is transformed into wines that balance fruit intensity with earthy depth.
Meanwhile, the effervescent Cava sparkles with vivacity from Catalonia, and the complex Sherry from Jerez intrigues with its spectrum from dry to sweet. Spanish winemakers honor their heritage through meticulous aging classifications, from the youthful Vinos Jovenes to the venerable Gran Reservas, ensuring each bottle tells a story of time and terroir. This dedication to quality is safeguarded by stringent laws, preserving the legacy of Spanish wines as a cherished embodiment of the nation’s spirit and soil.
The Region
Castilla y Leon, the largest autonomous community in Spain, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and exceptional wine culture. Nestled in northwest Spain, this region boasts a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters, ideal for viticulture. Home to prestigious wine regions like Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rueda, and Bierzo, Castilla y León produces robust red wines from Tempranillo and refreshing whites from Verdejo.
The area’s viticulture history dates back to Roman times, flourishing significantly in the 11th century. Visitors can explore historical monuments, castles, and cathedrals, and enjoy local delicacies such as roast suckling pig paired with the region’s exquisite wines. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a history buff, Castilla y Leon offers a rich tapestry of cultural and gastronomic experiences
The Producer
The Bierzo region is known for its cool climate and slate soils, ideal for growing the Mencía grape, the primary variety used to produce the local wines. Bierzo has two broad regions, the central plains and the hilly boarder regions. The finest wines are grown in the hilly regions. The region is also known for its steep, terraced vineyards, often planted on hillsides and mountainsides. Bodegas Luna Beberide, is a winery founded in 1987 by Alejandro Luna, who comes from a family with a long history of winemaking. The winery’s flagship is the Luna Beberide Mencía, made from 100% Mencía grapes. It is aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, giving it a smooth and elegant character.
