2021 Envinate Lousas Vinas de Aldea

A really unique mineral driven, old vine Mencia from Ribeira Sacra. If you like Northern Rhone Syrah, or generous Cru Beaujolais,  then you will absolutely LOVE this wine. The first time I dipped my beak into this wine I was transported--cool aromas of red and black fruits, cinnamon spice, and wet rocks. A silky, juicy palate that leaves you wanting to reach for another glass. Sublime with sausage stuffed with parsley and parmesan and served on a crunchy baguette topped with broccoli rabe, olive oil, and shave pecorino.

Envínate (translates as "wine yourself") is the brainchild of 4 friends, winemakers Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez.  This gang of 4 formed back in 2005 while studying enology at the University of Miguel Hernandez in Alicante. Upon graduation, they formed a winemaking consultancy, which evolved into Envínate, a project that focuses on exploring distinctive parcels mainly in the Atlantic-inflected regions of Ribeira Sacra and the Canary Islands. Their collective aim is to make profoundly pure and authentic wines that express the terruño of each parcel in a clear and concise manner. To this end, no chemicals are used in any of the Envínate vineyards, all parcels are picked by hand, the grapes are foot-trodden, and the wines are fermented exclusively with wild yeasts, with a varying proportion of whole grape clusters included. For aging, the wines are raised in old barrels and concrete, and sulfur is only added at bottling, if needed. The results are some of the most exciting and honest wines being produced in Spain today.