Known as Merenzao in Valdeorras and across the border in Portugal as Bastardo, this variety originates from the foothills of the Alps, where it is known as Trousseau. A difficult grape to reach full ripeness in the Jura, plantings of Trousseau there are fairly modest. In the relatively warmer climate of Ribeira Sacra, it is more successful, which explains why there is a fair amount planted in this corner of the Iberian peninsula. The wine is 100% Bastarda grown from 20-70 year old vines in Granite, Schist soils (350-650m elevation). Grapes are hand harvested, left whole cluster and fermented using natural yeasts in stainless steel tanks. 40-60 day Maceration/Pigeage and then aged for 7 months in 300-500L oak barrels. "The 2021 Bastarda was cropped from a cooler and wetter year, and the wine shows austerity, cool character, a spicy side, notes of fennel and almost curry, floral and perfumed but in a very subtle way. It has a pungent palate with depth and concentration, fine-grained tannins and energy, light and clout. This could very well be the finest Bastarda to date, following the path of the 2018; it is very consistent with the style of other wines from this year. 6,000 bottles were filled in June 2022." 96 Points (Wine Advocate)
