Ana Gadín and Javier Mendoza set up Atrium Vitis back in 2012 right in Quiroga (one of the breathtaking bits of Ribeira Sacra). They own 12 plots (a total of 6ha), dedicated mainly to indigenous Galician grape varieties, which they vinify separately, plot by plot, thus preserving the essence of each vineyard. Ana and Javier have also discovered abandoned vines, hidden deep within the local overgrown forest. They are currently clearing part of this area by hand, to recover these old vines and to identify the grape varieties.
 
When Ana and Javi first harvested this plot, they realized that the skins of their grapes concentrated many more aromas than other Mencías in the area, so they needed to vinify this plot separately. The soil here would be a clear differentiating factor as this plot sits on pure slate cut by a vein of white quartz.
 
They decided to vinify it in a stainless steel tank, and the result is a truly mineral and austere glass of Mencía. On the nose, it didn't evoke Mencía at first, but rather reminded us more of those Shiraz from the Upper Rhône, with its spicy rusticity and hints of dust, bresaola, and rubber. On the palate, it does denote varietal character, displaying elegance and poise. It's full-on, with fairly polished tannins, a certain juiciness, very varietal fruit (plums, cherries, blackberries), and an electric energy that fills it with longevity.