Alberto Orte 2017 'A Portela' Mencia, Valdeorras DO

Item Number: 20620

UPC: 8-437008409399

Country: Spain
Region: Galicia
Sub Region: Valdeorras
Appellation/AVA: Valdeorras DO
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2017
Grape(s): 100% Mencia
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 13.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Clay, granite and slate
Elevation: 1,640 feet

Terroir Notes: Mencía, the hallmark grape of northwestern Spain, wears many hats. Ranging from rustic and powerful to high-toned and elegant, it is a variety that clearly reflects its terroir. In this case, A Portela Mencía comes from DO Valdeorras, the “ gateway to Galicia. ”

Beloved in ancient times as the only place the Romans found that could grow olives so far north on their supply line, Valdeorras is warmer than its neighbors to the west, shielded by mountains from the cold wet winds of the Atlantic. It’s also cooler than its neighbor Bierzo to the east, similarly shielded from hot Continental winds by mountains. While this area is best known for white wine production (particularly Godello), Valdeorras was, historically, home to beautiful reds as well.

Winemaker Alberto Orte produces A Portela from a single vineyard, planted to high elevation slate and granite soils. This combination of elevation, soil and temperate climate makes for an elegant, mineral-driven Mencía that carries both generosity of fruit and spice and also precise, elegant acidity.

Vine Age: Planted between 1976-1990
Vineyard Location: Mountain town of Larouco

Winemaking Notes: The wine undergoes a five-day cold soak in tank. After fermentation, the skins remain in the tank for an additional 10 days before racking. The wine is then aged for 18 months in 225-liter French oak barrels.

Pairing Suggestions: Herb-roasted chicken, pork loin, sautéed mushrooms, lamp chops or even salmon would be divine.