THE PILGRIMAGE (Mencia)

Varietal: 100% Mencia
Vintage: 2006
Winery: Bodegas Adria
D.O.: Bierzo
Total Production: 3,000 cases (9lt cases)

TASTING NOTES
Color: Deep purple with ruby rim
Nose: Pronounced cherry and plum fruits, chocolate and spice
Palate: Medium bodied with soft fruit, rounded tannins and fresh acidity
Finish: Soft and creamy

VITICULTURE/VINIFICATION
Bodegas Adria owns vineyards located between the villages of Corullo, Villaranca del Bierzo and Cacbelos on a mosaic of complex soils ranging from alluvial clay and stones on the valley floor to granite and schist higher up on the slope.
The vines are mature with ages up to 35 years and they had a great 2006 vintage. The grapes were harvested 100% by hand to from late September through the first week of October. The juice is carefully extracted and fermented in small stainless steel fermenters with some saignee to concentrate the must. Controlled fermentation at 28-30 C degrees with pumpover and delistage. Free run juice run off to other tanks for malo-lactic fermenation.


TECHNICAL DATA
pH: 3.5
VA: 0.45 g/l
ALC: 13.5%
RS: less than 2 gr
Malolactic: Yes
S02: 110ppm
TA: 5.5 g/l
Lees contact: Yes


WINEMAKER: Norrel Robertson
The wine is called The Pilgrimage because the vines in this region of Bierzo lie along the holy route to Santiago de Compostela or the “Way of St. James” the Apostle. The Way of St. James, established over a thousand years ago, has been one of the most important pilgrimages in Christianity for centuries. The Mencia grapes are native to this area and would have been welcome nourishment to any passing traveler.


Press
Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate - 89 Points “Best Buy Spanish Red under $20.00” Issue # 175, Feb 2008

Jancis Robinson - “This wine is just 13.5% alc and the wine’s balance is soft mulberry fruit, clear-cut acidity and brilliant texture. Its uniquely refreshing yet intriguing character depends on the local grape Mencia, so fragrant
it was long mistaken for Cabernet Franc. Only a small proportion of the fruit was given a few months in oak but the rest is unadorned, ready to gulp fruit.” Dec 2007