2020-C Armas de Guerra Rosado Mencia, Bierzo DO, Spain (750ml)   

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Founded by Don Antonio Guerra in 1879, Vinos Guerra is the oldest winery in the Bierzo appellation located in the northwestern region of Castilla y León, Spain. Guerra was a pioneer in the industry, considering he was the first to bottle méthode Champenoise wines in Spain and also produced a variety of spirits from Agua Ardiente to Vermouth and Anisettes. The winery became a cooperative in 1963 and began producing wines under a plethora of different labels, which they still do today.

Vinos Guerra is a giant force in the Bierzo appellation, farming 1/3 of all the vineyards; so out of the 7,413 acres under vine in Bierzo, they farm 2,471, yet they only produce wine with the best 10% of grapes. Vinos Guerra’s primary focus is the native grapes Mencia and Godello, yet they also farm Garnacha, Doña Blanca, Malvasia and Palomino. Owing to their rigorous grape selection process, very old vines that are 50+ years old and their tradition of producing unoaked wines, Vinos Guerra offers an impressive lineup of reds, whites and rosés that show incredible depth, purity and aromatics. This 100% Mencia rosé which comes to us from 55 year old vines in the lower valley of the Bierzo region, is energetic, bright and concentrated. While its very pale peach color suggests a subtle and dainty wine, there is a surprisingly striking vivacity and focus to it. Aromas of yellow pluot, white peach, white nectarine and rose water macaron leap out of the glass while the light-medium-bodied palate shows slightly bitter apricot, dried cherry, white sweet tarts and spicy white pepper. The acidity is generous and nervy, providing shape and lift and introducing a clean and mineral-driven finish. While you could definitely enjoy this on its own, it would be delicious alongside grilled shrimp with paprika or a classic paella!