Bodegas Peique is a family winery currently owned and operated by Luis and Sagrario Peique and their children. The winery, which is located in Valtuille de Abajo, Bierzo, emerged in 1999 as a joint partnership of three generations of the Peique family, whose winemaking dates back to 1912. The current winemaker is Jorge Peique; Mar Peique serves as General Manager. Their vineyards are almost 100 years old and are planted with Godello and Mencía. This Mencía comes from 45-55 year old vines, at 450-500m. It was fermented and briefly in stainless, to preserve the bright, fresh, fragrant and wild black fruit. After a swing of reduction, this moves into cassis, black plum, cracked peppercorn, and a beautiful blackberry note, all framed by sticky tannins through an herbal, green branch finish. Nice 13% freshness makes this particularly food friendly with grilled veg / lamb sausages.

“Mencia produces deeply coloured reds with this youngster pouring purple ruby. The nose is generous if soft with plummy fruit, peony and fine oak spice - all nicely integrated. It is medium weight, rounded yet lively with very good acidity. Some minerality on the finish. The length is excellent.