Niepoort & Perez Ladredo 2017

Ladredo is the name of a little old vineyard, aged about 50 years, facing east and perched precipitously over the River Sil. It has such a steep slope that the grape harvest is a near Herculean task. This vineyard has two co-existing varieties: Mencía (called Jaen in Portugal) and Alicante Bouschet. They account for 65% and 35%, respectively, of the batch. The idea was to make a fine wine with the characteristic freshness of the region.

The alcoholic fermentation took place in a wood open vat, with about 50% of stems. The wine remained in vat along with the grape skins for 3 weeks and then aged in 228 liters French oak barrels for 19 months. Without fining or filtering, this wine was bottled on 12 June.

Slightly open in the ruby color, Ladredo 2012 shows lots of fresh fruit, is very expressive and aromatic. Markedly spicy aroma, dominated by the notes of pepper and tobacco leaves from the Mencía variety, with a very fine and delicate set.

It is vibrant and strong in the mouth, with very silky tannins, together with a remarkable structure with depth, reflecting the minerality of the schist terroir. Finish full of energy, where the fantastic acidity gives a very long and persistent finish. Great aging potential.

FOOD SUGGESTIONS

Steak au poivre, red meat, meat stew, wild mushrooms, truffle.