Losado Vinos de Finca "Losada"

Bierzo, spain |  2019

We always like to highlight winemakers who have their own unique approach. What’s so cool about this wine club selection is that it is a winery that represents a rare shift in how terroir of Bierzo, Spain is interpreted, especially in its focus on the Mencía grape. Situated on the outskirts of Villafranca del Bierzo, Losada Vinos de Finca, founded in 2005, sought to highlight the potential of old vineyards planted on clay soils—a terrain that had long been overshadowed by the slate soils traditionally associated with Bierzo. The winemaking philosophy of head winemaker Amancio Fernandez is to bring out the elegance and complexity of Mencía by leveraging the unique characteristics of clay soils, resulting in wines with complex structure and depth. Though Mencía has been around since the Middle Ages, it is an ephemeral varietal that shows itself quite differently depending on who works with it.

The 2019 "Losada" is an expressive example of this approach. Made from 99% Mencía and 1% Dona Blanca, the wine exudes a sense of place, reflecting this unique terroir of the Bierzo region. Grown on gently sloping clay hills, the vines range from 40 to 60 years old, bringing concentrated flavors to the wine. Each plot is hand-harvested, with careful berry selection, and fermented with yeasts obtained naturally in the vineyards. The wine is aged for 12 months in partially used French oak barrels, contributing subtle oak influences without overpowering the fruit and minerality.

On the palate, this Mencía is both powerful and elegant. Black cherry and plum dominate the fruit profile, while layers of dark chocolate, toast, and licorice add complexity. Mountain herbs and mineral notes accentuate the wine, giving it a distinctly regional character. The fine tannins and balanced acidity provide structure, while the wine's time in French oak barrels imparts a hint of vanilla and toasty aromas on the nose which pairs perfectly for the Fall weather. Drink alongside some richly spiced dishes like your favorite chili for Football Sunday (or just any Sunday if you’re someone like me!).