A new varietal Mencia from the Val do Bibei and sold without appellation of origin, the 2019 As Xaras was produced with grapes from 20-year-old vines on granite, decomposed schist and red slate soils in Chandoiro and Larouco. It fermented with full clusters and indigenous yeast and long macerations. It matured in 2,000-liter concrete vat and used 500-liter oak barrels for eight months. This is a little lower in alcohol than the Cortezada, the other pure Mencía, with a very mineral mouthfeel, dry and chalky. This is also varietal but with less fruit, more nuanced and more about the soil. It's ethereal and expressive, nuanced and elegant.
