Bierzo may lack the name recognition of Rioja, but its wines can be equally memorable. The Mencía grape, historically known for making dilute wines from over cropped vines, can make stunning wines, such as this one, when the vines are planted on the rocky hillsides in this northwestern region of Spain. Losada’s Bierzo combines black fruit flavors with deep minerality to produce a wine with power, persistence and harmonizing gracefulness. An alluring subtle bitterness in the finish means that if you pair this wine with a steak tonight, you’ll be very happy.
Losada, Bierzo (Spain) 2011
By Michael Apstein