Bodegas Avancia "Nobleza" Old Vines Mencia 2021
(Valdeorras, Spain) - [WE 93] [VM 93] [WS 92] [JS 91]

Winemaker Notes:

Bodegas Avancia is located in Obarco de Valdeorras, in the heart of Valdeorras. 90% Mencía, 10% Garnacha Tintorera, Mouratón (juan garcia), gran negro, sousón, cariñena aeiroá. Single vineyard with three small parcels located on the southern bank of the river sil on 30˚ slopes. Oriented northeast. planted 1948-1963. Traditional dry farmed viticulture. Bodegas Avancia practices organic and does not use any chemically synthesized fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Primarily slate soils intermixed with small quantities of quartz. Mediterranean/continental climate with an Atlantic influence. Very cold winters and very warm summers.

A field blend from one of the oldest and most heroic vineyards in Valdeorras, Avancia Mencía Viñas Viejas is a small production wine that exemplifies the style of the reds of Valdeorras - ethereal,mineral, floral, lifted, but with a glass staining youthful concentration that sets itself from other Galician reds. As a northern oriented vineyard site, Aeiróa ripens patiently and late in the season, which allows the grapes to maintain high levels of acidity and balance. A percentage of carbonic maceration and stem inclusion brings a crunchy texture and lift to an otherwise powerful wine.

Hand harvested in 10kg crates for transportation to the winery. Sorting of the bunches at the winery followed by pre-fermentative maceration and fermentation in 600l open-top neutral french barrels. 1/3 of the production went through maceration and fermentation on whole clusters, 2/3 with a traditional destemmed (but not crushed) elaboration. Very soft extraction, seeking high quality tannins. Pressed in a small, vertical basket press. Malolactic fermentation in used 225l french barrique followed by 8 months in barrel. Eight months in used french oak barrique (2nd through 5th use). Aged for a further four months in bottle before release.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of cassis, dark plums and dried Mediterranean herbs pave the way for cherry, raspberry, milk-chocolate, black-olive paste and violet flavors. Tannins come on a little strong at first and then slowly dissolve into a smooth finish." - July 18, 2023, Mike DeSimone

93 Points - Vinous:
"The 2021 Mencía Nobleza originates from the Aeiroá single estate in the Sil River Valley, with parcels planted in 1948, 1960 and 1963. Aged for eight months in used French oak barrels, it displays a garnet hue and sanguine aromas complemented by dark fruit and a balsamic hint of oregano. On the palate, it offers juiciness, smoothness and compactness with slightly reactive tannins adding tension. The rich and expressive wine features persistent fruit flavor and a mature profile."

92 Points - Wine Spectator

"A fresh, elegant red, offering juicy blackberry and black raspberry fruit notes paired with a savory thread of cured tobacco, milled pepper and mineral, with supple tannins. Floral finish. Drink now through 2028. 250 cases made, 125 cases imported." - March 30, 2023, Alison Napjus

91 Points - James Suckling:
"Stemmy nose with some baked cherries, mulberries, dark earth and flowers. Pretty rich and concentrated for a mencia with a medium body rounded by silky tannins. Sleek and full of fruit in the finish. Drink now." (Apr 2023)