Spanish DO located in the northwestern part of the country around the city of Ponferrada. It’s part of the Castile and León region and sits next to the VALDEORRAS DO, which borders it on the southwest. The region is known as El Bierzo, but the DO is designated as Bierzo. The growing areas are concentrated around the towns of Cacabelos and Villafranca del Bierzo along the River Sil at the 1,600- to 2,000-foot level. The climate ranges from mild to hot, depending on the location of the vineyard. There are about 9,500 acres of vineyards in the DO. The primary grape is Mencía, a red VARIETY thought to be related to CABERNET FRANC, which produces the most interesting wines. Garnacha Tintorera (ALICANTE BOUSCHET) is planted in small amounts, and CABERNET SAUVIGNON is being introduced in some vineyards. White varieties, which make up a minority, include Doña Blanca, Godello (VERDELHO), MALVASÍA, and PALOMINO.