2015 Lousas Vinas de Aldea

The 2015 Lousas Viñas de Aldea is a blend of grapes from different vineyards across Ribeira Sacra, with a majority of Mencía complemented by 10% other grapes—Merenzao (aka Trousseau), Brancellao, Caíño, Sousón, Mouratón and Garnacha Tintorera—which, in this warm vintage, added some new vineyards from the Quiroga subzone. From this year onward, they started using some new concrete vats. They started a big change in 2014 and followed the same path in 2015, and even though 2014 was a cool year and 2015 was warmer, the wine is very expressive, a little rounder, not as sharp as the 2014. They added some more vineyards and were able to produce 13,000 bottles, up from 7,000 in the previous year. It's floral and aromatic, subtle, perfumed and nuanced. The palate is very balanced, with juicy fruit and mineral notes, with the blend of varieties (they really like Brancellao), which has increased, and the freshness added by the stems. What is remarkable is that they also increased the quality of the wine! Bravo! It was bottled in November 2016. This has to be one of the better values in Spain.