Recommended Mencias from Spain

Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.

Luna Beberide "Finca la Cuesta" 2007
** 1/2
Bierzo, Spain, $24
(Great Value)

From 60-year-old vines on steep hillsides comes this beautiful, smoky, earthy wine that conjures a sense of place with every sip.

Grapes of Spain/Elite: available in the District at MacArthur Beverages, P&C Market, Rodman's, Wine Specialist; on the list at Blue Ridge, Cafe Atlantico, Proof, Taberna del Alabardero. Available in Virginia at Cecile's Wine Cellar and the Vineyard, both in McLean.

Tercer "Motivo" 2005
**
Bierzo, Spain, $15
(Great Value)

New oak is prominent, creating a cola flavor. But after a half-hour, the oak integrates seamlessly with the fruit and yields a delightful, minty wine with impressive structure and balance.

LVDH: available in the District at Paul's of Chevy Chase, Wine Specialist; on the list at Bodega, Perry's. Available in Maryland at Bin 604 Wine Sellers in Baltimore, Wine Cellars of Annapolis, Glenwood Wine & Spirits.

Vina Caneiro 2007
**
Ribeira Sacra, Spain, $24

From Bierzo's western neighbor in Galicia, this wine is tight and a bit unripe when first opened. After an hour it exhibits cherry and mint flavors and a nice, silky texture.

Bacchus: available in the District at MacArthur Beverages; available in Maryland at State Line Liquors in Elkton, Wine Source in Baltimore.

Flavium Crianza 2005
* 1/2
Bierzo, Spain, $11
(Great Value)

This is an excellent and affordable introduction to mencia and the wines of Bierzo, and it's an all-around nice-value red.

Monsieur Touton: available in the District at Bell Wine & Spirits, Circle Wine & Liquor, Connecticut Avenue Wine & Liquor, Magruder's, Paul's of Chevy Chase, S&S Liquors. Available in Maryland at Snider's Super Foods in Silver Spring, Cork 57 Beer and Wine in Bethesda, Beers & Cheers in Germantown, Silesia Liquors in Fort Washington, Decanter Fine Wines in Columbia; on the list at Andy's Place in Silver Spring. Available in Virginia at Cecile's Wine Cellar in McLean, Curious Grape in Shirlington.

Luna Beberide "Mencia" 2007
* 1/2
Bierzo, Spain, $16
(Great Value)

Smoky and intense, with cherry fruit and white pepper spice.

Grapes of Spain/Elite: available in the District at MacArthur Beverages, P&C Market, Rodman's, Wine Specialist; on the list at Blue Ridge, Cafe Atlantico, Proof, Taberna del Alabardero. Available in Virginia at Cecile's Wine Cellar and the Vineyard, both in McLean.