Mission Dos 2020 | Ribeira Sacra

Wine Identification
Mission Dos is a red wine produced by the Mission winery, released as part of their 2020 vintage. It originates from the Ribeira Sacra Denominación de Origen in Galicia, Spain. Specifically, the grapes are sourced from the Ribeiras do Miño subzone and the Sobrecedo area.

Origin and Winemaking
This wine is crafted from an old-vine, multi-varietal blend grown on schistous soils. The primary grape component is Mencía (60%), complemented by Garnacha (20%) and Merenzao (10%). Additional varieties included in the blend are Tempranillo, Godello and Jerez (the local name for Palomino).

The vinification process is characterized by traditional and hands-on methods. Fermentation takes place in open 600-liter vats using foot stomping (pigeage) without the addition of sulfur dioxide. The must undergoes an extended maceration period of 18 days, during which manual punch-downs are performed using chestnut poles. Following fermentation and maceration, the wine is aged for eight months in 400-liter barrels.

Expected Profile and Tasting Notes
The winemaking approach suggests a wine with significant structure and complexity. The use of old vines on schist soils typically contributes mineral depth and concentration. The extended maceration with manual bazuqueos (punch-downs) using chestnut poles implies a robust extraction of tannins and color. The absence of sulfur during fermentation indicates a natural or low-intervention style, likely preserving the primary fruit character and terroir expression. The blend of Mencía with Garnacha and Merenzao suggests a profile that balances the aromatic freshness typical of Mencía with the body and spice notes contributed by the other varieties.

Overall Character
Mission Dos 2020 presents itself as a serious, terroir-driven red from Ribeira Sacra. Its identity is defined by the unique schistous terroir of Sobrecedo and a meticulous, low-intervention winemaking process that emphasizes extraction and aging in 400-liter barrels.