2021 Valdesil Valderroa Mencia, Galicia

Best known as a white-wine grower, Valdesil also makes a little Mencía of terrific quality. The fruit for this wine-bar classic comes from old bush vines planted between 500 and 550 metres up on south-facing, slate-rich slopes in the mountainous eastern limits of Valdeorras. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks.
 
The rocky soils, high altitude and cool Atlantic weather help sculpt a lifted, racy, tangy, cherry-scented Galician red. It has floral and spice notes as well as a plush, silky texture and racy acidity. It’s a joy to drink and built to wash down a variety of foods. If slate rocks your world, then this is for you!