Peza do Rei
Mencía Ribeira Sacra – 2021
Region: Spain - Galicia
Peza do Rei
The family of César Enriquez is among the core group of founding growers of the D.O. Ribeira Sacra appellation. Starting in the early 90’s they replanted their vineyard site to noble varieties.
Peza do Rei is a medieval walled vineyard and woodlands estate taking its name from the Kings of León, who used the site as an income source and private hunting retreat.
The property consists of 4.85 ha (12 acres) of vertiginous, single-row slate terraces forming a perfect south-facing amphitheater on the Edo River tributary of the Sil where the varieties planted are Mencía for reds, Godello, Treixadura and Albariño for whites.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Estate vineyards on steep, single terraced rows above the Edo river in D.O. Ribeira Sacra.
- Exposure: South, Southwest
- Soil: Granite with sand and silt
- Vine Age: over 25 years
Harvest Notes
- Hand harvested
- Destemmed and pressed
- Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks at 22 – 28º C
- Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in tank
- Wine racked into fresh tank and rested
- Wines undergo quality control testing by the Ribeira Sacra Regulatory Council before bottling
- Bottle aged 2 months
Winemaker's Notes
Clear, brilliant cherry in the glass. Vivid Mencia aromas of red fruits. The palate is soft, fruity and balanced with a full finish.
Pair with charcuterie, semi-mature cheeses, white meats and bluefish.
Wine Summary
94% Mencía, 2% Tempranillo, 1% Merenzao, 1% Caino, 1% Sousón, 1% Grenache; alcohol: 13%; estate vineyard on steep, single row terraces from the Edo river in D.O. Ribeira Sacra; granite with sand and silt soils; vines over 25 years old; hand harvested; destemmed, fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks between 22 – 28º C, spontaneous malolactic fermentation; racked and aged in fresh tank; tested by Ribeira Sacra Regulatory Council before bottling; bottle aged 2 months.
Technical Information
- 94% Mencía, 2% Tempranillo, 1% Merenzao, 1% Caino, 1% Sousón, 1% Grenache
- Alcohol: 13%
Reviews
90 Points
This slightly cloudy and dark ruby colored Mencia based wine opens with a blackberry and wet stone bouquet with hints of pomegranate. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, very smooth, and zesty. The flavor profile is an oak influenced blackberry and light anise blend with notes of stony minerality and pomegranate. I also detected some hints of black pepper and loam. The finish is dry, and its flavors and moderate tannins are nicely extended
Ken's Wine Guide, August, 2024
General Info
| COUNTRY | SPAIN |
| REGION | Galicia |
| APPELLATION | D.O. Ribeira Sacra |
| PROPRIETORS | Enriquez family |
| FOUNDED | César Enriquez |
| WINEMAKER | Julio Ponce Mouriño |