Tasting Notes
This Rioja shines a deep ruby red, catching hints of cherry and garnet. The aroma offers a captivating mix of toasted bread and unexpected peppermint, achieving a perfect balance. The taste opens with balsamic notes that linger into a roasted finish. Despite its boldness, the mid-palate stays elegantly balanced.
Background
In 1988, a husband-and-wife team, Abel Mendoza and Maite Fernández, set up a little winery in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. They cultivate 17 hectares of vineyards organically, spread throughout the region. Their passion lies in crafting unique wines that capture the essence of the land, similar to Burgundy's small, dedicated producers. Their focus is on whites, with exciting offerings like Viura, Malvasía, and Grenache, all produced under the Abel Mendoza label.
Production Process
This 100% Tempranillo skips the sulfur dioxide treatment entirely, even at bottling. The grapes hail from a biodynamic vineyard in Bardallo, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, planted back in 1979. To build its complex character, the wine spends a year split between new French oak and stainless steel tanks. The result? A bold and untamed expression of its unique terroir.
Region | Rioja |
Grape variety | Tempranillo |
Winery | Abel Mendoza Monge |
ABV, % | 14 |
Volume, L | 0.75 |