A vibrant, aromatic white grape indigenous to the north west of Spain and Portugal. Despite nearly being killed off by phylloxera in the early 20th century its plantings are now rapidly increasing thanks to a movement promoting the traditional varieties of Galicia. The subregion of Valdeorras has the largest area under vines and produces some of most expressive examples. In addition to making the Portugese table wines of Alentejo and Dao, where it goes by the name Gouveio, it is also blended with Malvasia Fina and Viosinho to make white Port.
Bierzo's most well known grape is the Mencía. So popular that it occupies almost two-thirds of the vineyards. Cultivated almost solely in northwestern Spain it has only recently been recognized as a respected grape variety known for it's fresh fruity notes, smooth tannins and minerally terroir. Some Bierzo producers are proving that with the right balance of oak it can also age well. Garnacha Tintorera, Godello, Doña Blanca, Malvasía, Palomino and, to a lesser extent, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo varieties can also be found in the region.
