Fraga do Lecer, Fraga do Corvo, Mencia, DO Monterrei, Galicia, Spain, 2022

Producer Profile

Fragas do Lecer is located in Spain’s northwest region of Monterrei, in the village of Vilaza.

Its position in the Monterrei valley, close to the Támega river, provides a mixture of soils that are well suited to the cultivation of the indigenous varieties Godello and Mencía. The winery was founded in 2005 by the Boo-Rivero family, who brought with them 30 years of winemaking experience and a strong ommitment to the indigenous grape varieties of the region. With 18.2ha of vineyards across 28 sites, and a diversity of soil types from granite-based to sand and slate, Fragas do Lecer’s wines display great complexity. The Tamaguelos estate comprises over 4ha of 30-plus-year-old Godello and Mencía vines, while other parcels are among the oldest in the region at 50 years plus. The wines are made by the talented José Manuel Martínez, who is also responsible for winemaking at sister winery Quinta de Couselo in Rias Baixas. Fragas do Lecer practices organic viticulture, with maximum respect for the vineyards and minimum intervention.

Viticulture

The vineyards are situated within a region that has a temperate Mediterranean climate and a continental tendency, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.

Winemaking

The 100% Mencía grapes are hand-destemmed and cold macerated for 2 weeks. After decanting, the wine is fermented in 500-litre French barrels, followed by malolactic fermentation. Static ageing in stainless steel and partly in fine-grain French oak barrels for 6 months, followed by bottle ageing until reaching optimal maturity.

Tasting Note

Abundantly fruited, joyful wine with powerful aromatics, yet great delicacy, and a complex profile of blackberries, black cherries, and plum, along with hints of tobacco, herbs, and floral notes.

Food Matching

Serve with a variety of grilled meats, slow cooked stews, pies, pasta, risotto, and even pizza, as well as hard cheeses like Manchego and Pecorino.