Luna Beberide, Bierzo (Castilla y León, Spain) Mencia 2021

 If the Mencía grape variety is new to you, you’ll need to change that, and this wine provides an excellent place to start.  The variety has been essentially landlocked for centuries, and has only recently entered the flow of global wine commerce, but it can make indisputably wonderful wines in a fairly broad range of styles.  This is a very fresh and simple rendition made from fruit that’s barely been off the vines for half a year.  Uncomplicated by oak, it is juicy and bright, with red berry notes predominating on the palate, with energetic acidity driving the finish.