Mencia is the name of a red grape varietal native of El Bierzo. Introduced and cultivated mainly in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula since the days of ancient Rome. It recovered from the phylloxera epidemic disaster of the late nineteenth century that caused a severe economic crisis in its traditional areas of cultivation. Mencia is used to produce aromatic and fruity wines with intense color and with great ageing capability.

The varietal produces small and compact bunches, with medium-sized berries with an ellipsoidal shape, regular at its cross-section and a thick skin. The grape juice is colorless, with high sugar content but low acidity, especially those resulting from higher fruit maturation.

The red wines made from mencia grapes are distinguished by their ability to ageing, with a characteristic velvety palate, without neglecting the quality of this grape in the development of young reds.