Bodegas Mengoba is located in Sorribas in the fashionable Bierzo region of Castill y Leon, northwest Spain. Run very much along artisanal lines by Gregory Perez (the vineyards are ploughed by bulls), the vines are grown on clay and sandy soils at an altitude of 550 metres and the whole vinification process takes place, unusually, in one single barrel. The Bierzo Tinto is a blend of mainly Mencia with the addition of the increasingly rare Alicante-Bouchet grape from 50 year old vines located in Gregory's Horta and Villafranca vineyards. Similar is style to a spicy Syrah, this works well with robust stews and meat dishes.
An inky-purple in colour. Aromas of cassis, raspberry and smoke. On the palate, full-bodied and generous with bags of earthy red fruits. Rich and chewy in texture, the finish is lingering. Great with lentils cooked with green peppers and chorizo, rabo de toro (oxtail stew with dry sherry) or fried red peppers stuffed with beef, onions and smoked paprika.