Everything About Jaen Grape
"zhah-EN (men-THEE-ah)" 
Jaen Description
Origin: Iberian Peninsula
History: Jaen, known as Mencía in Spain, is a red grape variety native to the western part of the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, it is primarily found in the Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, and Monterrei wine regions, covering over 9,100 hectares. In Portugal, it is predominantly grown in the Dão region, occupying around 2,500 hectares. Historically, wines produced from Mencía were light and fragrant, but modern winemaking techniques have led to more concentrated and complex expressions.
Appearance: Small to medium-sized clusters of dark blue-black grapes.
Growing Traits: Mencía is well-suited to the maritime climate of regions like Bierzo, where it ripens early, typically by mid-September. The grape thrives in diverse soil types, including slate and granite, which contribute to the wine's minerality. Vines are often planted on steep, terraced slopes, particularly in Ribeira Sacra, making mechanization challenging and necessitating hand-harvesting.
Food Pairing Mencía's medium body, moderate tannins, and vibrant acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as lamb or pork, and complements dishes featuring earthy flavors like mushrooms or lentils. The wine's red fruit and floral notes also make it suitable for pairing with poultry, charcuterie, and semi-hard cheeses. Its freshness can balance richer dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium-bodied with a balance of red fruit flavors and floral notes, offering a smooth and rounded mouthfeel. Typically dry, highlighting its fresh and vibrant character. Moderate tannins, providing structure without overwhelming the palate. Medium to high acidity, contributing to its freshness and enhancing its food-pairing versatility. Moderate alcohol content, generally ranging between 12% and 14%, providing a balanced and approachable character.
Red Cherry 
Blackberry 
Violet 
Mineral 
Herbal Mencía wines are known for their aromatic profile, featuring red and black fruit aromas, such as cherry and blackberry, complemented by floral notes of violet. On the palate, they exhibit medium body, moderate tannins, and a distinct minerality, with flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The finish is typically fresh and lingering, making these wines particularly enjoyable when consumed young, though some expressions have aging potential.
Regions
![[object Object] Region](/regions/spain.png)
Spain
•Bierzo
•Ribeira Sacra
•Valdeorras
•Monterrei
![[object Object] Region](/regions/portugal.png)
Portugal
•Dão
Notable Wines and Producers
Pétalos del Bierzo
•Descendientes de J. Palacios
Ultreia Saint Jacques
•Raúl Pérez
Quinta dos Roques Jaen
•Quinta dos Roques
Jaen FAQ
Iberian Peninsula
Jaen has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Jaen is Moderate bodied.
Jaen has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Jaen is Dry.
Iberian Peninsula
Jaen is grown in Spain (Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, Monterrei)Portugal (Dão).
Mencía wines are known for their aromatic profile, featuring red and black fruit aromas, such as cherry and blackberry, complemented by floral notes of violet. On the palate, they exhibit medium body, moderate tannins, and a distinct minerality, with flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The finish is typically fresh and lingering, making these wines particularly enjoyable when consumed young, though some expressions have aging potential.
Mencía's medium body, moderate tannins, and vibrant acidity make it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as lamb or pork, and complements dishes featuring earthy flavors like mushrooms or lentils. The wine's red fruit and floral notes also make it suitable for pairing with poultry, charcuterie, and semi-hard cheeses. Its freshness can balance richer dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Mencía wines are known for their aromatic profile, featuring red and black fruit aromas, such as cherry and blackberry, complemented by floral notes of violet. On the palate, they exhibit medium body, moderate tannins, and a distinct minerality, with flavors mirroring the aromatic profile. The finish is typically fresh and lingering, making these wines particularly enjoyable when consumed young, though some expressions have aging potential.