From certified organic, 20-80+ year old vines planted along the banks of the Xil river in the rugged interior of Galicia, Gaba do Xil is a blend of 70% Mencia and 30% Merenzao, an obscure, local grape made by Pablo Eguzkiza, Telmo Rodríguez, and Jorge Saa who are responsible for reviving many ancient vineyard sites, buildings and varietals. Harvested by hand and fermented with native yeast in stainless steel tank where it rests for a year, this medium bodied red exhibits aromas of black pepper and red currant that give way to a palate of red cherry, black olive and flinty, almost smoky minerality. Perfect with Pimenton Padron, Galician fried red peppers sprinkled with rock salt or a hearty Cocido Gallego, a stew with chorizo, meat, chickpeas and turnips.