Sergio's Pick

We appreciate and highlight new and noteworthy domestic producers as much as possible here at the shop; today's offering is one of the most exciting local bottles we've pulled a cork on all year.

Not often seen here in the Pacific Northwest, Mencía originates from the Iberian peninsula where it is grown almost exclusively in Spain and Portugal. This example from the Columbia Gorge is highly amplified with fruity aromas of sour cherries, marionberries, and pomegranate hovering over earthier notes of violets, rose petal and iron. The palate is silky and juicy with an energetic acidity that easily sways its medium-bodied, mineral-forward texture towards a slight, raspy tannic touch. A deceptively textured experience that finishes with continually inviting fruity and floral tones.

Well composed to be consumed with a slight chill. Fans of Gamay will absolutely fall in love with this bottle.

About the Producer:

Jure Poberaj and Nina Jimenez own the magnificent White Salmon Baking Company in Washington. Along with one of our other favorite producers, Bethany Kimmel of The Color Collector, they have recently opened Soca Wine Shop & Bar, also in White Salmon.

Born in the Soca Valley in Slovenia, Poberaj moved to the United States in 1993. He is the nephew of the benchmark Friuli-Venezia Giulia producer Josko Gravner. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, Poberaj has made wine under Nate Ready's Smockshop Band label, and along with Jimenez planted Ribolla Gialla and Nebbiolo in the hills above White Salmon. If those wines will be anything like this Mencía, you'll be hearing about those as soon as they're released.