Bierzo sits in a mountain-ringed valley in northwest Spain, cooler and wetter than most of the country thanks to Atlantic influence funnelled in through a gap in the surrounding hills. Mencía is the grape that's put the region on the map internationally, grown on slate and clay soils across old, often ungrafted bush vines, producing reds that are perfumed, mineral and lighter on their feet than much of Spain's Tempranillo-dominated reputation would suggest.

Key grapes: Mencía, Godello