Jorge Ordóñez has had a profound impact on Spanish wine. When he arrived in America in 1987, Spanish wines were not as popular or as refined as they are today. Through sheer determination and an infallible palate, Jorge was the first on the scene to champion forgotten indigenous varieties like Albariño and Godello, fighting against the trend of ripping up old vines for more productive international grapes.

Bodegas Avancia represents the culmination of Jorge’s career. Nestled in the slate mountainsides of Valdeorras, high above the Sil River, this 23-acre estate embodies everything Jorge believes about winemaking. The vineyards are dry-farmed and organic, with vines ranging from 59 to 74 years old that dig deep into the slate soils to produce wines of remarkable concentration and mineral complexity.

The 2022 Nobleza showcases Jorge's meticulous approach to winemaking. This field blend combines 90% Mencía with small percentages of Garnacha Tintorera, Mouratón, Gran Negro, Sousón, and Cariñena, all hand-picked from organically-farmed vines. The winemaking process reflects Jorge's philosophy of respecting the vineyard: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in old demi-muids, with three-quarters of the grapes destemmed while the remainder undergoes semi-carbonic maceration with whole clusters. After pressing in a traditional vertical basket press, the wine completes malolactic fermentation in barrel before aging in carefully selected French oak.

Accolades:

95 Points, Vinous Media: " ... Aged for eight months in French oak, this wine presents aromas of dark fruit, blood and intense pomegranate, alongside subtle oak influence. The dry vintage eliminated the oregano note that appeared in 2021, resulting in firmer tannins, greater concentration and a vibrant, energetic palate with juicy and focused flavors."

Why You'll Love It

• Winemaking masterclass: Ancient vines handled with exacting precision. Ordóñez’s 59-74 year old vines provide a depth and gravitas that younger plantings simply can’t match, while his refined winemaking techniques preserve the ethereal, mineral character that makes Valdeorras Mencía so irresistible.
  

• Power with Finesse: If you love the intoxicating red fruit of great Burgundy, you’ll love this wine’s vibrant black raspberry fruit, lifted by the kind of crystalline concentration that only comes fro

• 60+ year old organically farmed vines in exceptional terroir. The touch of whole-cluster fermentation adds a spicy complexity and the promise of further development in the cellar.
  

• VALUE. At $40 per bottle or $36 when you buy six, this represents exceptional value for a wine from one of Spain's most respected producers, made from some of the country's oldest vines. Ordóñez, who spent his career championing the potential of Spain's indigenous old vines, put his money where his mouth is!

How to Serve It

• Serve this wine at 55-62°F in large Burgundy bowls to fully appreciate its complex aromatics. The wine benefits from 30 minutes of decanting to allow its intricate flavors to fully emerge.
  

• While delicious now, this wine will continue to develop beautifully over the next 5-7 years, as the tannins soften and the mineral components integrate further.
  

• Pair this versatile red with Churrasco de Cordero, aged Manchego, or porcini-flecked risotto.