Producer: Ver Sacrum

Region: Pedriel (Maipu), Mendoza

Blend: 100% Mencia

Serve: 14°  |  With: Charcuterie, Wild Game, Hard Cheese

Winemaker Eduardo Soler is the first to confess that Ver Sacrum is 'not a conventional project'. A garage and a rented warehouse serve as a winery where he aims to revive the fortunes of Mediterranean varities lost to Argentina's lust for Malbec planting since the 1950's. Along with a small group of like-minded viticultors/winemakers, he cultivates three vineyards with differing and distinctive terroir, planted to Grenache Noir, Mourvedre, Syrah, Roussanne, Marsanne, Nebbiolo, Carignan and Mencia, and whilst more familiar with Spain, the latter has proven to be delightfully expressive in Eduardo's capable hands. Using somewhat primitive, rudimentary techniques of vinification, the wines lean towards a more fluid, drinkable style; less alcoholic with more natural acidity - gastronomic wines of linear, fruit-driven focus, without the use of new oak, if any at all. The wines are never 'corrected' and no vintage homogenised...and who would argue with that???

This 2016 vintage is intensely aromatic, with lots of dried flowers and sweet black cherries, showing hints of almonds and black olives. Medium bodied, the palate is silky and sensuous, coating the mouth, again with fresh red fruit to the fore. However, it should be made clear that this wine has great tension and balance with expression and delicacy at its heart. Only 1500 bottles...