One of my favorite wine clerks, by that I mean the kinda person who knows you will come back and does not try to swindle you into buying a disappointment, recommended a great wine last week.
It is not because Galicia and Brittany are distant Celtic cousins, after the first try at this Guimaro 2008 'Mencia' from Ribeira Sacra, I was a happy man.
The Ribeira Sacra area is beautiful, verdant and known for vineyards on steep hills as is the case for this Guimaro, 100% Mencia (see picture below courtesy of Jose Pastor Selections).
The vines get a workout and from that fight with nature comes a robust red wine, not all smoke and mirrors, great fruit with smoky, peppery flavors, earthy and grounded.
Does it taste better if you drink the wine with local food as Chef Mateo described in Ribeira Sacra Day One (August 09). The wine looks even more appetizing so I could not resist borrowing his picture. Makes it come alive.
A must try at around $15-$16.
You might be better off getting 2 bottles, will save you a trip back for more.