En el Camino Mencia 2022

Originating from the hillsides of Bierzo in northwestern Spain, this wine comes from vines planted in soils of schist, quartz, and clay, typical of this appellation with its temperate Atlantic climate. The Michelini i Mufatto estate cultivates plots located around Ponferrada and its surrounding villages, on hillsides offering excellent sun exposure and moderate altitude. This geographical location promotes slow ripening of the grapes and preserves the freshness that is the hallmark of Mencía grown in this unspoiled corner of Castile and León.

The detailed winemaking information for Michelini i Mufatto “En el Camino Mencia” 2022 is not specified by the estate; this Spanish red wine is made from Mencía grapes, with a carefully selected harvest, a fermentation aimed at preserving the fruit and freshness, and then aging adapted to the style of the cuvée, as described by the producer without further technical details available.

This wine reveals notes of crisp red berries , juicy black fruits , and delicate floral touches, complemented by subtle spicy nuances and a mineral character reminiscent of the schist soils of Bierzo. On the palate, the wine is supple and energetic, supported by fresh acidity , fine, polished tannins , and a long, vibrant, and flavorful finish that highlights the purity of the fruit and the natural elegance of Mencía.

The history of wine in Spain is so ancient that no one really knows who first brought the vines to the region. By the time the Phoenicians arrived some 3,000 years ago and founded the present-day cities of Cádiz and Jerez, viticulture was already well established, and Spanish wines were widely traded throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa. You could say that Spain is a winemaking miracle. After years on the sidelines of the world of fine wines, it is now a major player. Investment and ambition in vineyards and wineries are resulting in increasingly rich, complex (often high in alcohol), and spicy reds that are gaining popularity with international consumers. Proud to have more land dedicated to vines than any other country, Spain is only now beginning to capitalize on this resource in a consistent way. Spain is a chaotic jumble of regions and subregions, much like its landscape is a chaotic jumble of incredibly rugged scenery. A glance at a map reveals the climatic diversity among Spain's many wine regions, from the lush, green vineyards of Galicia on the northern Atlantic coast to the parched vineyards of the southeastern Mediterranean. Spain's saving grace for viticulture is the average altitude of its vineyards, which is over 600 meters. Many Spanish vineyards are thus able to produce grapes with good color and acidity simply because nighttime temperatures are relatively low and the grapes don't ripen until after a sufficiently long growing season. But there is a real treasure trove to be found for those willing to dig, and now that a class of connoisseurs has developed in Spain, all sorts of ambitious investors have done their part to change the image of Spanish wine. Today, a new generation of winemakers has quietly begun to craft spectacular wines and experiment with grape varieties that would have been unthinkable not so long ago. Wine remains an important commodity and an integral part of Spanish culture.