Jose Antonio Garcia Mencia Unculin Bierzo 2020 750 ML

From Jose’s organically-grown, family-owned vineyards in the village of Valtuille de Abajo; planted with 60 to 100-year-old traditional mencía bush vines from an ancient genetic ancestry. The grapes for this cuvee are from vines planted between 1936 and 1956. Some of the vines in Jose's vineyards are more than 200 years old. All are planted on a soil type of clay and sandy loam with stones. FARMING: Practicing organic VINIFICATION: Grapes are hand-picked, leaving stems on 30% of the bunches. Unculín undergoes a spontaneous fermentation by natural, indigenous yeast in large, neutral, French foudres with a 30-day maceration post-fermentation. Four months of aging on the fine lees and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel without topping up. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal intervention. TASTING NOTES: Wonderfully fresh and straight up drinkable. Lots of minerality and plenty of bright juicy fruit that plays nicely with some more savory, roasted notes. Pairs best with grilled meats such as pork sausages or lamb chops, patatas bravas, or young sheep cheeses. Unculín is a fresh, vin de soif style Bierzo which offers an antidote to over-blown, internationally-styled wines previously made in the region. Jose’s mineral Unculín echoes the forgotten traditions of the Bierzo region while pushing the envelope.