A Spanish blend of Mencia (55%), Brancellao (35%) and Espadeiro (10%) varietals from Rías Baixas in Galicia – a region better known for its whites. A bright garnet colour in the glass, with a spicy, floral nose that also has cranberry, sour cherry, liquorice, white pepper and pencil lead to it. The palate has a briskness from a bright acidity, and a crunch of juicy fruit. There is also some funk and earthy qualities that emerge – I’m getting boot polish, incense, liquorice, negroni and a dry stone/terracotta note – not your usual straight up and down Spanish red. Quite light and agile in weight and structure, into a dry finish of decent length. 91pts
Destinos Cruzados ‘As Regadas’ Mencía-Brancellao-Espadeiro 2016
