Valdeorras, Galicia, Spain
The Valdeorras us is one of Galicia’s most historically significant wine producing regions. Located in Galicia’s easternmost sector, Rodríguez’s Gaba do Xil is named for the hillsides of the Sil River, above which his Mencía vines thrive on classic slate soils. Casting an opaque black cherry robe, Rodríguez’s Gaba do Xil presents pure aromas of fresh black cherry and plum fruit accented by notes of white pepper, brown spices, and slate minerality. Smoky, plummy, suave, and gently tannic, the Gaba do Xil alternates waves of smoky, slate-driven cherry, plum, and blueberry fruit with suggestions of cinnamon, cracked black pepper, violet petals, thyme, leather, and tobacco. This is a wonderfully fresh and seriously delicious Mencía that drinks well today with heartier fare and will repay up to three years’ aging in your cool cellar. Enjoyable by itself, will also prove a lovely partner with roast pork, chorizo, paellas, potato and eggplant tapas, grilled mushrooms, lamb stews, and recipes featuring smoky pimentón.
A February 2021 newsletter selection
