Guimaro Mencia, Ribeira Sacra, Spain

Guímaro has become one of the defining names of Spain’s Ribeira Sacra, crafting wines that capture the dramatic beauty of Galicia’s steep slate-covered terraces. The 2024 Guímaro Mencía is a vibrant, expressive red that showcases the freshness, elegance, and mineral-driven character of this historic region. Produced from organically farmed vineyards overlooking the Sil and Miño Rivers, this wine blends Mencía with a small proportion of traditional local varieties, resulting in a lively, aromatic expression that balances juicy fruit with unmistakable Atlantic freshness.

Product Details:

• Varietal Composition: 85% Mencía, 15% traditional indigenous varieties including Brancellao, Caiño, Merenzao, and others
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Production: Approximately 100,000 bottles
• Farming: Organic; respectful, sustainable viticulture
• Soils: Predominantly slate (losa) soils
• Vineyard Sources: Approximately 80% Sil River vineyards and 20% Miño River vineyards
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Native yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks
• Aging: 8 months on the lees in stainless steel
• Fining: None
• Filtration: Light mechanical filtration
• Sulfur: Minimal sulfur addition at bottling
• Bottling Date: April 2025
• Winemaker: Pedro Rodríguez

Sensory Description:

The 2024 Guímaro Mencía opens with captivating aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, rose petals, and wildflowers, accented by subtle herbal and slate-driven mineral notes. The palate is juicy and energetic, offering layers of vibrant red berries, fresh plum, cranberry, and floral nuances framed by bright acidity and remarkable purity. Delicate notes of black tea, crushed stone, and subtle spice emerge on the finish. Light- to medium-bodied with nearly imperceptible tannins, this wine delivers exceptional freshness, elegance, and drinkability while remaining distinctly expressive of Ribeira Sacra's rugged terroir.

Awards & Accolades:

• 92+ Points — Robert Parker Wine Advocate (2024 Vintage)
• 92 Points — Vinous (2024 Vintage)
• 92 Points — Vinous (2024 Vintage): "Juicy and fresh in both aroma and palate, this has medium acidity and finishes with a light note of black tea."
• James Suckling (2024 Vintage): Praised for its delicate floral aromas, freshness, balance, and approachable character.

Winemaker's Background:

Adega Guímaro, whose name means "rebel" in Galician, is one of Ribeira Sacra's benchmark producers. Located in the prestigious Amandi subzone, the Rodríguez family has farmed these precipitous vineyards for generations. Today, Pedro Rodríguez leads the estate, combining traditional Galician viticulture with thoughtful innovation. Working some of the region's steepest and most challenging terraced vineyards, Guímaro has become a driving force in the revival of Ribeira Sacra, championing indigenous grape varieties, organic farming, and minimal-intervention winemaking. Their wines have earned international acclaim for expressing the unique slate soils, Atlantic climate, and centuries-old viticultural heritage of Galicia.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly cool at 60–63°F (16–17°C). This versatile red pairs beautifully with grilled white meats, roast chicken, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, risottos, rice preparations, grilled salmon, tuna, and lightly spiced Mediterranean cuisine. Its bright acidity and delicate structure also make it an excellent companion to tapas and vegetable-forward dishes.