Gancedo Mencía, Vino de Altura, Bierzo 2023 (organic)

Gancedo was originally founded around 2001 by husband-and-wife team, Ginés Fernández and Juani Gancedo, with just 4 ha and another 4 rented, it grew steadily with another 8 ha added. Then in 2017 it took off after investment from José Cereijo and Luis Lopez. José is a qualified mine engineer who had worked all over the world before returning to his native Bierzo. After a couple of years, Señor Gines retired and today, José Cereijo is the driving force of the estate. The investment included buying an entire valley in order to be able to farm the whole estate organically. Today they have 80 ha, about 60 of which are currently in production and of these, 20 ha are young vines whose grapes are sold elsewhere. There are over 60 different plots of 60 to 100 year old vines, all grown between 500 and 650 metres above sea level on loamy soils with quartz sand. Sustainability is important at this estate with the vineyards being certified organic. The winery too has been updated with sustainability at its heart and solar panels providing all their power needs. José is helped by winemaker Nacho Alvarez. The winemaking is modern with the Godello being fermented in stainless steel tanks and concrete eggs then left on the lees for four months, while the Mencía is fermented in open tanks then aged and taken through malo in French oak barrels.