2004 Dominio De Tares Albares Mencia

Bierzo is small, with about 9,500 vineyard acres, and centers around the city of Ponferrado. Located on the same northeastern plain as most of Castilla y Léon, it nevertheless enjoys a climate somewhat similar to Galicia, which means that Bierzo gets more rainfall and milder winter weather than other parts of the region. The primary grape here is Mencia, which is thought to be related to Cabernet Franc. Garnacha Tintorera and Cabernet Sauvignon are planted in small amounts. White wines are made from Godello (Verdelho), Malvasia and Doña Blanc and Palomino. Though white wines are produced much less than reds, Godellos are gaining international popularity as full-bodied, floral white wines. The appellation status for Bierzo was awarded in 1989.