The entry level red is the 2014 Tinto produced with Mencía grapes and kept in contact with the lees for two months; it is bottled completely unoaked. The wine is completely reduced with some animal hints of dry fur and leather. The palate has some grainy tannins and moderate acidity. 160,000 bottles produced.

The 2013 Peique Tinto Mencía is a fruit-driven, straightforward, stainless steel-fermented red that matured in contact with the lees for two months. It has some mealy aromas intermixed with wild berries and a juicy palate, with unnoticeable tannins and good acidity. A refreshing, straightforward Mencía, it is pleasant and easy to drink. A good value wine ideal for bars and restaurants, as it also goes well with food. 160,000 bottles.

The 2012 Tinto Mencia, produced from 45- to 55-year-old vineyards grown on clay soils with some slate, is a good representation of unoaked Mencia, simply aged in tank on its lees for two months before bottling. It has some clear berry and licorice aromas and is highly drinkable. This is the workhorse wine of the winery: 180,000 bottles are produced, and it can be found in the local bars in Bierzo. It represents good value for straight red Mencia. Drink 2013-2015. Bodegas Peique is a family business created in 1999 by the Peique family in the village of Valtuille de Abajo, where they have been making wine for over 90 years. These old families have quite extensive vineyard holdings, and in the case of the Peiques, it is 40 hectares, located in the village of Valtuille de Abajo at altitudes ranging from 450 to 600 meters. They harvest some 230,000 kilograms of grapes, with which they produce a wide range, but the quantities for most of the wines are quite limited; the lions-share of the production, 180,000 bottles, is for the unoaked Tinto Mencia. Imported by Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811

The red wines (all made from 100% Mencia) begin with the 2010 Tinto made from 45 year old vines and aged sur lie for 2 months in tank. Boysenberry, black cherry, and assorted spices compose the bouquet of this straightforward, savory, ripe offering. This leads to a slightly lean, medium-bodied, easy-going wine that finishes with no hard edges. Drink this friendly offering over the next 1-2 years. Bodegas Peique is a 22 acre estate in the village of Valtuille de Abajo that began producing its own wine in 1999. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; Tel: (303) 495-3811

The 2009 Tinto, sourced from 45-year-old vines, was aged in stainless steel sur lie for 2 months. It is a saturated purple color with an expressive perfume of mineral, spicy black fruits, and violets. On the palate it has excellent volume, succulent flavors, lively acidity, and a lengthy finish for its humble price. It is an outstanding value and a great introduction to the Mencia grape. The Bodegas Peique wines are 100% Mencia sourced from their 22 acre hillside estate. Importer: Steve Miles Selections, Denver, CO; tel. (303) 495-3811