Viña Aurita Tinto 2019

Origin: Lugo, Ribeira do Eivedo, plot «A Burata dá Salamanca», outside the D.O.

Grapes: mainly Mencía, with a little Sousón

Vintage: 2019

Production: 463 bottles

Vineyards: old vines trained in double Royat cordon, widely spaced

Soils: granite and slate, steep slopes above the Sil canyon

Climate: Atlantic, mild

Vinification: hand-picked late August to early September, fully destemmed, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, no enzymes or nutrients, never above 25 °C; then 2 to 3 days on the skins, drawn off without pressing, press wine is not used; clarified only by settling and racking, 2 to 3 times a year, without pumps

Ageing: at least 10 months in stainless steel, no wood

Bottling: July to November 2020

The oldest Viña Aurita Tinto we stock: 463 bottles, bottled in 2020. With no wood and no press wine, the Mencía comes through very directly: deep ruby, cherry and raspberry, a little blossom and spice. Lively acidity, fine, silky tannins and a long finish with a stony edge.

Carlos himself says his wines have strong aromas that not everyone has to like. We would open this vintage an hour ahead and drink it with grilled meat, game or an aged cheese.