WINES AVAILABLE IN UK STOCK:

• Vega Montan, Godello
• Vega Montan, Mencia Crianza

If you are travelling from Rueda to Galicia then you might like to stop off in the recently “discovered” region of Bierzo.

This unique region benefits from a microclimate that allows the indigenous varieties of Mencia and Godello to ripen in otherwise unpromising surroundings. Top roving winemaker, Alvaro Palacios, has recently discovered the possibilities of the region and, slowly, more wineries are springing up and the more old fashioned styles are disappearing.

The indigenous Mencia grape is not that easy to work with as it posesses relatively hard tannins but given some oak treatment, it produces well structured, concentrated reds with hints of spice and liquorice. Godello, the local white variety shares similarities with Albarino in that it is crisp, tight and citrussy but if anything, Godello is even more suited to shellfish!

Bodegas Adria is a modern set up, close to the town of Ponferrada and produces a range of contemporary Bierzo wines focussing on the indigenous grapes. We think that the Crianza is the best style to taste Mencia for the frst time – that subtle lick of sweet oak providing just the right balance to the spicy Mencia…….

Click on the wine labels for larger versions:

		Vega Montan Godello, Bodegas Adria The region of Bierzo has only recently stumbled forth on to the world stage and with it comes two indigineous grape varieties to add interest to any list. Godello produces crisp dry whites, similar to the famous Spanish variety Albarino but with a more minerally, focussed edge and absolutely perfect with shellfish.
		Vega Montan Crianza, Bodegas Adria The Mencia grape variety is almost unique to the verdant, hilly region of Bierzo in north western Spain. Darker, more concentrated than Rioja's Tempranillo, Mencia has more blackcurrant, liquorice and spice. Here it is laced with smoky yet elegant oak which makes for a supple, food friendly style of wine.

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