Ver Sacrum is a relative newcomer in Argentina, started by Eduardo Soler in 2012. Soler focuses mainly on grape varieties not commonly found in Argentina – bringing back the Mediterranean varieties lost after the Malbec boom. The 2018 Doña Mencía De Los Andes is made entirely from Mencía – a still rather obscure but very high potential variety from northwestern Spain. However, this bears little resemblance to Mencía from, say, Bierzo, where it is most famous within Spain. The Ver Sacrum expression is fresh, with bright fruit notes, low alcohol, and light skin contact. It is highly fragrant with waves of spiced red and black cherries, dried violets, wild thyme, and rosemary aromas. The palate is all about black olives, dried spices, and pure red fruits. A seamless finish shows excellent tenacity and a subtle trace of tannins. It is delicious and drinking well now, although it will continue to evolve for a few years to come.
Ver Sacrum, Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina) Mencía 2018
By Miranda Franco