Adega Ponte da Boga, Capricho de Merenzao, DO Ribeira Sacra, Spain, 2019

Producer Profile

Deep in Galicia’s famed Ribeira Sacra region, on the banks of the Sil river, Adega Ponte da Boga nestles amongst the ancient and precipitous terraced slopes.

At harvest time, workers descend as if on a pilgrimage to pick the fruit from these steep, narrow terraces; delicate hands and nimble feet ensure that the grapes are passed up the slopes to begin the next stage of their journey. From vines that are often in excess of 100 years old come fresh, elegant expressions of Albarino, Godello and Mencía along with the Merenzao and Blanco Lexítimo. Cooled by the bracing Atlantic air and basking in the warmth of the Galician sun these precariously placed vines produce wines of authenticity and heritage.

Viticulture

The vines are grown in an atlantic climate with a continental influence. Integrated viticulture. Double Cordon de Royat. Schist soils.

Winemaking

The grapes are destemmed and crushed, then fermented for 10 days with gentle pumping over, followed by maceration for 8 to 10 days. After malolactic fermentation the wine is aged in old French Oak for 10 months.

Tasting Note

Native to Ribeira Sacra, the Merenzao grape (Trousseau in France) has intense rose, raspberry and cherry aromas, supported by cherry rose and raspberry on the palate. The ageing in old French oak gives this wine a delictate body with plenty of fruit and elegant tannins.

Food Matching

Bold enough for beef, but delicate enough for fish. Even octopus!