2016 Armas de Guerra, Mencia Rosado, Bierzo, Spain.
One of the most rare and unique Rose wines of the season is from Spain’s Galicia region of Bierzo, it’s a Mencia Rosado from Armas de Guerra, a label that is new to me and imported by Ole Imports and Chambers and Chambers (in California) and I learned Vinos Guerra is the oldest winery in Bierzo, dating back to 1879, and is famous for their Vermouth. The 2016 Rosado Mencia by Armas de Guerra is made from vines planted in 1963, over 50 years old, and is an all organic wine that is from free run juice and cool fermented in stainless steel, it is a very refreshing style pink wine that is invigoratingly dry and crisp with mineral and spice notes backing up a bright red currant and strawberry essence with crispy citrus, watermelon and sour cherry. This is the first Mencia Rose I’ve tried, and I will be on the look out for more, Bierzo’s location and soils add to the richness/ripe flavors, though Armas de Guerra’s Rosado is vibrant and zesty throughout with subtle fruitiness and savory/stone elements with lingering peppery spice, tangy herbs and faint rosewater. Oh by the way, for those that need extra confidence in such things, the Armas de Guerra wines are totally vegan as well as made completely without oak, and the price is right for such an enjoyable pale and light Rose.
($14 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
