It's unlikely that with this article I am introducing you to Bierzo. There has been a pronounced increase in interest in this north-west Spanish region over the last 20 years. The potential of the region is beyond doubt, not just because it is the homeland of Mencía, a grape variety that has proved that it does not have to be rustic and can produce intense wines, but also because, according to Carmen Gómez, technical director at the Bierzo Consejo Regulador, it has one of the highest percentages of old vines in Spain. Almost 80% of the 3,000 ha (7,415 acres)...