Abad Dom Bueno Mencía Laderas Del Norte

Bodega del Abad is a superb winery in the region of Bierzo, north-west Spain. It was founded in 2000 with a hi-tech winery, and now has 35 hectares of vines split between the red Mencia grape and the white Godello. The region enjoys a unique microclimate, resulting from the combination of both Atlantic and Mediterranean continental climate, while the steep slate-soiled hillsides are perfect for the production of high-quality grapes.

This wine is from vineyards at 650 metres altitude in Valtuille de Arriba. The vines are 80 years old on average, while the soil is a combination of slate, quartzite and other minerals.

Aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, this is a plump, ripe expression of Mencia, with notes of dark berry and cherry, white pepper, roasted wild herbs and a touch of well-handled oak spice lurking in the background. The palate is full, yet approachable with fine tannins and balanced, mineral acidity.

This delivers a hige amount of quality for the price and would be perfect with lamb cutlets or meatballs.