Vina Peon, Mencia, Spain 2021

Mauricio Lorca has cemented himself as one of Argentina's pre-eminent winemakers, with his Malbecs from Vista Flores consistently rated as among the country's finest. Looking for a new challenge, he crossed the Atlantic and bought an old vineyard in the rugged Ribeira Sacra region of Galicia. Ribeira Sacra vineyards are among the world's most difficult to work, steep granite slopes in the hillsides around the river Sil, perfectly suited to the finicky Mencia variety.

 

A very charming medium-bodied red, Vina Peon exhibits Mencia's elegant red fruit and floral aroma, alongside a mineral bite to the finish. Peony, strawberry and hints of undergrowth give an impression not unlike Burgundy, but with a slightly wilder edge. An extremely drinkable style, with soft tannins and juicy acidity.