Alvarez de Toledo Mencia “Edición Especial”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The vineyards of Alvarez de Toledo are located in the “Gold Mile” of El Bierzo’s wine country.
- Exceptionally orientated terrains with the best soils of the entire region.
Varietal Composition: 100% Mencia
Elaboration: Manual harvest. The bunches are destemmed and squeezed gently, then they are fermented in stainless steel tanks with temperature control. The fermentation process lasts 12 days, during which pumping-over’s are made to facilitate the extraction of tannins and color. The wine then ages 10 months in American and French oak barrels with a capacity of 225 litters each.
Tasting Notes: Alluring aromas of mature berry fruits and toasty oak. This wine is structured, elegant, and light on the palate with vibrant red fruits, peppers, capsicum and herbs finely balanced with harmonious tannins and a lingering finish.
PRESS
2021 – 93 Wine Enthusiast | 92 James Suckling
2017 – 92 James Suckling
2015 – 90 Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy”
2013 – 90 Wine Enthusiast
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In order to understand this winery, as well as the great family tradition in viticulture, one must remember Don Luis Varela Alvarez de Toledo, who maintained a close relationship with the vineyards and the wine. Thanks to him, Alvarez de Toledo is able to present their wines, sourced from the most intimate interpretation of the Bierzo region. His mother, Sara Alvarez de Toledo, was born in Villafranca del Bierzo and her sister Amancia was a nun in the closed order convent of The Anunciada. They represented the last generations linked to the vineyards. His daughter, Angelines Varela Mazon y Alvarez de Toledo, is responsible for the project of recuperating the family vineyards, several of which are over 100 years old.