Lousas Viñas de Aldea, Envinate 2021

The 2021 Lousas Viñas de Aldea is a regional red from Ribeira Sacra but is sold without appellation of origin. It was produced with 80% Mencía and some 20% Merenzao, Brancellao, Caíño, Sousón, Mouratón, Alicante, Godello and Palomino, etc., from vines ranging from 25 to 60 years of age to represent the region and vintage. The grapes were picked between September 12th and 28th and vinified in concrete and small plastic bins with 70% to 100% full clusters, depending on the plot, and matured in well-seasoned oak barrels of different ages with lees for 11 months without racking or added sulfur. It's a truly Atlantic vintage, with a profile similar to 2018, 2016, 2014—vertical and fine-grained, textured and with finesse, balance and freshness. In general, the 2021s feel more austere and reductive, flintier. 25,975 bottles and 420 magnums were produced. It was bottled in November 2022.