Worth the premium from the un-oaked 'joven', the 2013 El Castro de Valtuille Mencía Joven is fermented in stainless steel and then transferred to 5,000-liter oak vats for one or two months before bottling, which helps the wine develop and get rid of the reductive character of the grape when it's fermented in stainless steel. It has a balsamic and creamy nose mixing notes of wild berries and licorice with some flowers and a hint of spices. The palate is medium-bodied, with very fine tannins and a pleasant, slightly bitter finish. This is great value. 50,000 bottles were produced.

Smoky and gamy notes frame cherry, meaty and herbal flavors in this austere, rustic red whose light tannins provide grip, with firm acidity keeping it fresh. Drink now. 1,000 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / Bierzo Select to Add