Envinate Lousas Vinas de Aldea 2021

Envinate Lousas Vinas de Aldea 2021

Envinate
$42.00

Grape: Mencía
Vintage: 2021
Type: Red

This regional red wine is a field blend dominated by mencía, crafted by the Envínate collective from old village vineyards across Ribeira Sacra. The vines grow on steep terraces composed of decomposed schist and granite soils that naturally restrict yields. Winemaking incorporates a low-intervention philosophy, utilizing spontaneous fermentation with native wild yeasts and a significant whole-cluster component. Aged in neutral French oak barrels, it delivers an authentic regional mountain identity.

It pours a translucent ruby color, releasing fragrant aromatics of wild raspberry, red cherry, and a faint hint of woodsmoke. A light-to-medium-bodied frame pairs fresh red fruit flavors with a chiseled, mineral-driven line. Fine-grained, chalky tannins provide a smooth structural grip that coordinates nicely with the fruit without feeling heavy. A clean wave of mountain acidity runs through the mid-palate, keeping the fluid mouthfeel refreshed. It finishes dry and persistent, leaving a savory trace.

Envínate is a collective of four friends who create highly sought-after, terroir-driven wines from distinct, Atlantic-influenced regions across Spain. The name, which translates to "wine yourself," reflects their minimal intervention philosophy, using old-fashioned farming and winemaking methods to allow each parcel to express its character. Founded in 2005 by friends Roberto Santana, Alfonso Torrente, Laura Ramos, and José Martínez, the group initially started as a winemaking consultancy before evolving into its own label. Envínate's methods involve working with organic and biodynamic principles in the vineyard, followed by fermentation with native yeasts and aging in old oak or concrete. They avoid fining, filtering, and use minimal to no sulfur.