Veronica Ortega 'Quite' Mencia, Bierzo, Spain

Bright wild berries, crushed flowers, and smoky mineral tones define the vibrant personality of the 2022 Veronica Ortega 'Quite' Mencía, a fresh yet deeply expressive red from old vines in Bierzo. Built around organically farmed Mencía with small portions of traditional field-blend varieties, the wine balances floral elegance, savory complexity, and effortless drinkability. Named after the Spanish expression “dar un quite,” meaning to offer a helping hand, this bottling reflects Verónica Ortega’s thoughtful and intuitive approach to crafting wines that are both soulful and approachable.

Product Details:

• Winemaker & Owner: Verónica Ortega
• Varieties: Mencía with small amounts of Doña Blanca, Palomino, and Alicante Bouschet
  
• Alcohol: 13% ABV
  
• Farming Practices: Organic and biodynamic practices
  
• Vine Age: 80–100 years old
  
• Production: Approximately 33,400 bottles
  
• Soil Types: Sandy iron-rich clay with slate, quartzite, and mineral-rich stones
• Harvest: Hand harvested
  
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel tanks
  
• Maceration: 5–15 days, depending on parcel and lot
  
• Aging: 7–9 months in amphorae, clay vessels, French oak foudres, and used barrels
  
• Sulfur: Approximately 40–52 mg/L total SO2
  
• Viticulture: Practising organic

Sensory Description:

The nose is immediately expressive with aromas of mulberry, wild strawberry, blackberry, blue flowers, jasmine, and smoky herbs layered over hints of liquorice and crushed stone minerality. On the palate, the wine is agile and silky, offering flavors of red cherry, brambly berries, white pepper, earth, and savory herbs. Fine tannins and refreshing acidity frame the fruit beautifully, while subtle bitterness and mineral tension add depth and complexity. The finish is bright, floral, and gently spicy, combining freshness with remarkable texture and balance.

Winemaker’s Background:

Originally from Cádiz, Verónica Ortega trained at some of the world’s most respected estates, including Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Comte Armand, Domaine Combier, Niepoort, Burn Cottage, Clos Erasmus, and alongside Raúl Pérez in Bierzo before launching her own winery in 2010. Drawn to Bierzo’s Atlantic influence, old-vine Mencía, and varied soils, she established herself in Valtuille de Abajo, where she farms old vineyards with an organic and increasingly biodynamic philosophy. Her wines are crafted with spontaneous fermentations, minimal intervention, restrained sulfur use, and careful élevage designed to emphasize purity, texture, and terroir transparency. Ortega’s work has become one of the defining voices of modern Bierzo.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly cool at 56–60°F in a Burgundy-style glass. Ideal alongside grilled lamb, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, roast chicken, barbecue, tapas, or herb-roasted vegetables. Its freshness and mineral lift also make it an excellent pairing for lightly chilled service with Mediterranean cuisine or casual outdoor meals.