CVNE ′Maruxa′ Mencía 2019/21, Valdeorras

If you like Rioja, you’ve almost certainly tried CVNE’s excellent work before. This is one of their newest projects. And they’re so proud of it, they named it after the founder’s mother. It’s Mencía made in the Valdeorras zone of Galicia. This grape is rapidly rising in popularity in Spain. For good reason. It’s widely celebrated for its wonderful aromatics. Think Pinot Noir with the florality turned right up. Expect rich notes of black fruits, fresh acidity and soft tannins. Try it with chorizo.