The Verso is one of the best introductions to a region's wines that I have tasted in a while. I am a very big fan of the wines from this region. Mencia is one of my favorite varietals, at its best it delivers complexity and drinkability that is almost unrivaled amongst all varietals, especially when price is factored in. This is a wine that delivers what I like to think of is a warm late spring day in the mountains; just ripe berries accented with a wild mountain mix of herbs and flowers, and just a hint of cool stoniness. This delivers Bierzo at a price point that is more than just pre-pandemic, it feels like a 2015 cost versus 2025. I love the value but what is most impressive to me about this wine is the accessibility of it. This is a wine that I think anyone can enjoy, if they enjoy medium to light bodied wines. No component sticks out, it is not tart, the tannins are soft, it is not funky (sometimes Bierzo can be too wild) this is not. It is so balanced that I think it can be enjoyed by itself, I still would prefer it with a meal. The complexity and range of flavors make it an incredible dinner wine, it can accent and support a wide range of cuisines.

Another one of Kirk Walker's marvelous buys for the beginning of the year. The nose is very pretty with fragrant cherry, violet, cream and soft baking spice scents. In the mouth, it is juicy with red fruits but, there are background flavors of minerals and nutmeg spice. It is very pure and very tasty. It will pair with so many foods that it is hard to list them all. Start with a nice plate of salumi and hard salty cheeses, crusty bread and melon.