Located in the province of Leon, this wine region is known for its cool weather year round and is considered part of "Green Spain" even though it is located in Castilla y Leon. The main grape that is grown here is Mencia, which can be compared to Cabernet Franc from France. It makes lighter red wines with a heavy fragrance of red fruits. This region was classified as a DO in 1989 and has been becoming very popular within the last few years. Alvaro Palacios, the renowned wine maker from Priorat, came here a few years go and opened a winery, his winery has been producing some mind-blowing reds at an extremely affordable price, showcasing that the Mencia grape can produce great wines. Wine has been made in this region since the Roman times, and there is a lot of beautiful Roman architecture throughout the villages surrounding the Bierzo region. Top 3 wineries in this region are: Bodegas Manuel Garcia Castro, Descendientes De J. Palacios and Bodegas Luzdivina Amigo.

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT BIERZO

• Official Denominación de Origen Year: 1989
• Acres Under Vine: 9,000
• Soil: Granite and Slate
• Vineyard Elevation: 820 to 2900 Feet
• Major Grapes (Red): Mencia, Garnacha
• Major Grapes (White): Doña Blanca, Godello, Palomino
• Estimated Wineries: 53

WEATHER IN BIERZO

SELECTION OF BIERZO WINES

Dominio de Tares, Baltos
Region: Bierzo
Grape Varietal: 100% Mencia
Usually Scores: 90-91
Price: $18

Bodegas y Vinedos Luna Beberide Mencia
Region: Bierzo
Grape Varietal: 100% Mencia
Usually Scores: 89-90
Price: $17

Bodegas Raul Perez, Ultreia de Valtuille
Region: Bierzo
Grape Varietal: 100% Mencia
Usually Scores: 92-96
Price: $85