Andy Says: "For me, Dominio do Bibei is one of the most iconic and impressive producers in Ribera Sacra, the dramatic wine region of Northeastern Spain. LaLama is primarily made from the local grape, Mencia (pronounced men-THEE-ah in much of Spain) along with smaller amounts of other indigenous varietals. The vineyards cling to steep high altitude terraces carved into mountainsides above river valleys, making Dominio do Bibei one of the most visually striking in Europe.
The estate farms bio-dynamically and organically and built a gravity-fed winery into the mountain itself to minimize the use of pumps. That sloping shape on the label is the winery profile rising out of the hillside. The winery also relies on spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts rather than inoculating with commercial strains, helping preserve a strong sense of place. LaLama is medium bodied and red-fruited with flavors of wild strawberry, red cherry, herbs and a subtle floral lift. Versatile. Pairs particularly well with cured meats, mushrooms and vegetarian dishes."