Weekly Wine Review - Spanish Red - 2011 Cia des Vinos del Atlantico Valdeorras A Portela

Valdeorras is a region in Spain where, like Bierzo, Mencia is the grape of focus. A new generation of winemakers in these regions have elevated the simple wines historically made to much more complex and delicious wines.  The good news is that many of these wines are a great value.  I have tried and enjoyed quite a few Bierzo wines, but this will be my very first from Valdeorras.

Wine: 2011 Cia des Vinos del Atlantico Valdeorras A Portela

Region: Valdeorras, Galacia, Spain
Grape Varieties: Mencia

Obtained from: Purchased online at Ultimate Wine Shop

Price: $15.00

Wino4Life Category: Everyday Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Natural cork - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Dark purple at the core with a water white rim.

Aroma: Dark fruits like blackberry, a bit of smoke and a hint of something herbal.

Taste: Not as big a wine as I expected based on the color and the aromas.  Nicely balanced with some soft tannins, but surprisingly delicate. 

The Grade: I give this one an A.  A great wine for the price, well made and food friendly like many Spanish wines, but a bit bigger than many similarly priced Rioja wines.  You may have to search a bit to find a shop that carries this or other Spanish Mencia wines, but if you can find this wine, or a similar example, it will be worth the search.