Veronica Ortega ROC Mencia 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 15 years. No need to decant but best to open it an hour before service. Located in Valtuille de Abajo, the Veronica Ortega winery bears the name of its founder, who after years of experience in France and Priorat decided to settle in the Bierzo wine region and produce organic wines using old Mencia vineyards. The company philosophy also includes artisanal winemaking, to produce characterful wines that are expressive of the terroir of origin. ROC Mencía is made with 100% Mencía grapes, selected and hand-picked from two vineyards over 80 years old, planted on sandy-clay soils, rich in minerals. After whole-cluster fermentation and over a month of maceration, the finished wine rests for at least 12 months in used French oak barrels, before bottling. The wine is a tribute to Veronica's older brother, who passed away prematurely; ROC is in fact the initials of his name. In the glass, the wine reveals a broad and fragrant aromatic profile with fruity notes of red berries, scents of violet and lavender, and light hints of licorice. On the palate, it is soft and balanced with a silky texture and a medium body. It is fresh and elegant with a persistent finish that recalls mineral notes. Try it with a pastrami sandwich or roast suckling pig.

Price: £31.98 from 8wines UK