So there I was, loitering in front of the wall of wine like a confused raccoon, and I spot this 2019 Losada Mencía. Never heard of it. Didn’t even know “Mencía” was a grape. Honestly thought it was a typo or possibly someone’s cousin who moonlights as a wine influencer. But for $9.99 (down from a heart-stopping $28), I figured, why not gamble with my liver?
First sip: huh. Dry, but not aggressively so. My tongue didn’t curl up and beg for mercy like it does with some reds. It had a nice body—kind of like that middle ground between “I work out” and “I just carry groceries in one trip.” Fruity, yes, but without veering into juice box territory. No sweetness, thank the wine gods. Just that subtle, grown-up fruit taste that says, I’m cultured, but I also microwave my leftovers in the same container I ate out of yesterday.
The label, as usual, threw in some wine jargon to make me feel both sophisticated and deeply underqualified. “Malolactic fermentation.” Sure. Sounds like something that either builds flavor or causes mild stomach distress. Apparently, the wine also spent 12 months in both French and American oak—because why choose just one nationality when you can be an international barrel slut?
I paired this majestic Mencía with the fine cuisine of weekend leftovers: pizza (age unknown), a chunk of steak (possibly from Thursday?), and some salad that was starting to wilt like an elderly lady in the desert. And let me tell you, it worked. The wine didn’t overpower the food, nor did it disappear into the flavor chaos. It stood its ground like a seasoned warrior, quietly holding it together while my dinner resembled a buffet from the land of zero expectations. Next time, I’m ditching the salad though.
At $9.99, this bottle felt like a steal. Especially since it usually costs $28, which, frankly, feels like a stretch unless it also does my taxes. Still, I’m happy. I learned a new grape, didn’t regret my random grab, and didn’t wake up with a wine hangover that feels like I got hit by a bus driven by regrets and tannins.
Final verdict: Mencía, whoever you are, I like you. You’re the pleasant surprise at the end of the wine aisle. Would drink again. Possibly with better leftovers next time. But no promises.
Types of Grapes: 99% Mencia, 1% Dona Blanca
ABV % / Fun Juice Level: 14.5%
Origin: Spain
Grocery Outlet Price: $9.99
