2021 Envinate Lousas Vinas de Aldea Mencia

Lousas is the name Envintate has given to their wines from Ribeira Sacra, translating to slate and a nod to the rock that marks these wines. Each of their Lousas releases are predominately Mencia, along with a smaller component of various indigenous varieties such as Merenzao, Caino, Garnacha Tintorerra, and Palomino among many others. Vina de Aldea is a blend of several plots from the Amandi, Quiroga, and Ribeiras do Sil subregions of Ribeira Sacra. Doad meanwhile hails from different terroirs throughout the Galician town of Doade, is Mencia dominant with the remaining 15% a field blend of various varieties. Rosende is sourced from a single vineyard from a village of the same name, and the soils here are similar to the Northern Rhone with granite crystals flecked through the sand. Finally Camino Novo is a single vineyard perched on the edge of the River Sil, where the vines are 80 years old and always produce some of the most profound Mencia in the area.

Other Reviews....
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. Drink 2023 - 2030.
95 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate (Nov 17, 2023)

Excellent depth with a vibrant lift of pepperiness to the wild and airy bramble fruit and minerality. Chalky and broad on the palate but really weightless with chalky tannins and a fresh, refined finish. Delicious now.
96 points
JamesSuckling.com