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Chambers & Chambers
The Wine
A classic expression of Mencía from the rugged hills of Valdeorras in Galicia, northwestern Spain. Produced from organic, dry-farmed vineyards planted between 1978 and 1990, the wine's character is shaped by the vineyard's steep slopes of slate and quartz overlooking the Sil River.
The grapes are harvested by hand, fermented with indigenous yeasts in small stainless steel tanks, then aged for approximately eight months in seasoned French oak barrels, allowing the variety and terroir to remain at the forefront. The wine nicely balances the freshness and aromas of Atlantic Spain with the depth and minerality of Valdeorras' warmer inland climate and ancient slate soils.
The wine shows a deep ruby color with violet highlights that hint at its aromas of black cherry, wild blackberry and ripe plum, layered with graphite, crushed slate, dried herbs and subtle floral notes. A gentle touch of oak contributes hints of spice without overshadowing the fruit.
The wine is medium-bodied with vivid acidity carrying flavors of dark berries, red cherry skin and savory mountain herbs. The slate-derived minerality shows through on the mid-palate then morphs into a finish framed by its gentle tannic structure. Freshness and balance make it a versatile food wine.
Pairings: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, wood-fired pork loin, roast duck, chargrilled mushrooms, lentil and chorizo stew, grilled octopus, Manchego cheese, or Iberico pork. The wine's freshness and mineral backbone also make it an excellent for dishes featuring earthy herbs and smoky flavours.
The Producer
Bodegas Avancia was founded in 2004 in the Valdeorras appellation of Galicia and is part of the Jorge Ordóñez portfolio, which has played a significant role in introducing Spain's indigenous grape varieties to international audiences.
Fun Fact
The estate is situated among the slate-dominated mountainsides above the Sil River, an area historically linked to Roman gold mining from which Valdeorras, or “Valley of Gold,” takes its name.
The estate has been instrumental in demonstrating the potential of Mencía in Valdeorras. The philosophy at Avancia centres on expressing place rather than winemaking intervention, employing indigenous yeasts, careful barrel aging and traditional farming practices to showcase the distinctive terroir of Valdeorras. Today, the estate remains one of the benchmark producers of both Godello and Mencía in northwestern Spain.
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