The Bierzo region

Bierzo is a region in the northwest of Spain. It has a continental climate, so on average summers are warmer than in close by Galicia, but it also has some cooling influences from the Atlantic. This means the wines made here can give ripe red fruit but at the same time a pleasant freshness or acidity. This combination makes it one of my favorite regions. Mencía is the grape here and it is definitely on the rise as some innovative winemakers such as Raul Perez and the Palacios family have put this region clearly on the map with excellent wines in various price ranges.

Tasted – Altos de Losada 2020 – Losada Vinos de Finca

The Altos de Losada is a 100% Mencía wine made in the small village of Valtuille de Arriba. This is a ‘Vino de Villa’ wine from specific parcels with old vines (40-60 yrs.) that bring complexity to the wine. The soil here is clay dominant which is also the focus of Losada Vinos de Finca as it is producing wines in clay dominant areas that used to be undervalued. Most of their red wines though not all of them are Mencía based and the whites have Godello.

My wine experience

The wine has a deep ruby color. It has lots of ripe red fruit such as cherry and plum, combined with some herbs, pepper and light toast. It is full bodied and also has higher alcohol but this is supported by a good freshness and also the tannins are soft. The wine has a long finish. The wine has the potential to further age in bottle.

Personally I like the wine as it is both fresh, bodied and smooth but complex. The general combination of ripe red fruit and good freshness make Bierzo Mencía one of my favorite styles

Conclusion

A very good wine at a fair price

Wine info

2020 | Alcohol 14,5% | DO Bierzo | Losada Vinos de Finca | Price range EUR 20-25

---

---