Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All Vintages
Bodegas Rectoral de Amandi has more than 130 hectares of vineyards distributed on terraces in the sub-areas of Amandi, Quiroga and A Peroxa. This geographic complexity favors the existence of a climate marked by high temperatures in summer and mild in winter with little rainfall, and which allows the vines to receive as much sunlight as possible. The estate is a benchmark throughout the D.O. of Ribeira Sacra, for its quality and international recognition. Mencía is the name of the variety of red grape most cultivated in the D.O. Ribera Sacra from the time of Ancient Rome. It grows in small, compact clusters, with medium-sized berries, an intense blue color and thick skin. It allows the production of very aromatic and fruity wines, with an intense color, and with aging possibilities.
Matilda Nieves Mencía is crafted by the prestigious Bodegas Rectoral de Amandi winery. Commissioned by the famous local artist Pablo Guerreo, "We try to transmit the magic and elegant spirit of Mencía from the Ribeira Sacra. The mystery of a territory where the forest is a constant presence." All grapes are hand-picked, macerated and fermented with native yeasts, in contact with the skin of the grape for 15-20 days in stainless steel tank. Stabilized and bottled, thus obtaining a wine rich in aromas and complexity. The label features a wood fairy on her swing, surrounded by the idyllic forests of the Ribeira Sacra, she leaves behind a tail of flavors evoking the unmistakable nuances of Mencía. The wine is named after one of the founder’s granddaughters, Manolo Arnoya, and made at the Rectoral de Amandi winery.
Located in the center of the Galician region in northern Spain, the Ribeira Sacra is one of Spain's most beautiful vineyard areas with stunningly breathtaking views. Vines are planted in the steep valleys and precipitous gorges of the Rivers Miño and Sil that wind through Galicia's lush green countryside. The Ribeira Sacra region has similar dramatic landscapes as the Mosel or Douro Valleys, but a more sparse population and a tranquility unmatched. The region gained official DO status in 1996.
Both white wine and red wine production are dominated by blends of local Galician grapes, with varietal wines being the exception. Today, while the region has seen some consolidation and modern stainless-steel equipment is widespread, winemaking remains artisanal. This reflects the tiny landholdings and farmhouse wineries, along with a traditional and predominantly organic approach to viticulture. With such low yields and often minuscule production levels, these wines are highly sought-after and can be difficult to find on the export market.
Ribeira Sacra DO’s principal white grape varieties tend to be highly fragrant and include Albariño, Doña Blanca, Godello, Loureira, Torrontés and Treixadura. Principal red grape varieties here include Mencía, Brancellao, Merenzao, Caiño, Sousón and Tempranillo.
Primarily found in the Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras regions of Spain and in the Dão of Portugal (where it is called Jaen), Mencia is an early ripening, low acid grape that can produce wines of great concentration, complexity and ageability. And yet Mencia once suffered from a poor reputation and deemed capable of producing simple and light red wines. Post-phylloxera growers would grow this variety on low, fertile plains, which produced high yields and uncomplicated finished wines. Somm Secret—The recent rediscovery of the ancient, abandoned vines planted on rugged hillsides of deep schist has unveiled the potential of Mencia and added discredit to its old reputation.