Fraga do Lecer, Fraga do Corvo, Mencia, DO Monterrei, Galicia, Spain, 2022

Producer Profile

Fragas do Lecer is located in Spain’s north-west region of Monterrei, in the village of Vilaza.

Its position in the Monterrei valley, close to the Támega River, provides a mixture of soil types well suited to the cultivation of indigenous varieties, Godello and Mencia. Founded in 2005 by the Boo-Rivero family, they brought with them 30 years' experience and a commitment to the varieties of the region. With their 45 acres of vineyards, across 28 sites, a diversity of soil types, from granite based, to sand and slate, the wines from the estate yield great complexity. The Tamaguelos estate has over 10 acres of 30 plus year old Goldello and Mencia vines, with other parcels from the estate amongst the oldest in the region, at 50 plus years. Wines are made by the talented José Manuel Martínez (who is also responsible for winemaking at sister winery Quinta de Couselo in Rias Baixas). Fragas do Lecer practices organic viticulture, with maximum respect for the vineyards and minimum intervention.

Viticulture

The vineyards are situated within a region that has a temperate Mediterranean climate and a continental tendency, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.

Winemaking

The 100% Mencía grapes are hand-destemmed and cold macerated for 2 weeks. After decanting, the wine is fermented in 500-litre French barrels, followed by malolactic fermentation. Static ageing in stainless steel and partly in fine-grain French oak barrels for 6 months, followed by bottle ageing until reaching optimal maturity.

Tasting Note

Abundantly fruited, joyful wine with powerful aromatics, yet great delicacy, and a complex profile of blackberries, black cherries, and plum, along with hints of tobacco, herbs, and floral notes.

Food Matching

Serve with a variety of grilled meats, slow cooked stews, pies, pasta, risotto, and even pizza, as well as hard cheeses like Manchego and Pecorino.