Wine Enrique Mendoza Chardonnay 2024

Enrique Mendoza Chardonnay wine made with 100% Chardonnay grapes. 

The region of Alicante is located in Southeastern Spain, some 100 miles south of Valencia. Although many of the vineyards in the zone are within a few kilometres of the sea around the large city of Alicante, most of the parcels are futher inland. As with many other Spanish, wine regions were cultivated here by the Romans after being planted originally by the Phoenicians. Now, the zone comprises just over 15,000 hectares, about one fifth the size as it was pre-phyloxera.

Created in 1989, Bodegas Enrique Mendoza was established by the man of the same name in zone of Alicante, some 70 kilometres from the city os Alicante. Now, Pepe Mendoza, Enrique's son, has taken over the winemaking responsibilities from his father and has become quite known for his use of newer varietals in the zone instead of the traditional Monastrell.

Alicante benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with warm days and nights during the summer months. However, parcels in the extreme western zones of the region are affected by a more continental climate, with hot dry winds. Rainfall is very slow (200-300 liters/meter squared per year). The soil contains a high limestone content, with only small amounts of clay. As a result, it is not very fertile and yields are low. With careful, attention, this has led to some extraordinary result in the bottle.

Pepe Mendoza's credo is simply to put the vines under as much hydric stress as possible (he monitors moisture levels constantly) to ensure a very small grape. His goal is to keep the skin to flesh ratio quite small in order to produce higher quality for his bottling. Most of the wines are aged in French oak (he prefers Allier barrels), although most are fermented first in tank. Macerations are long (up to 28 days) and varietals are vinified separately.

As with many of the parcels of Alicante, the vineyards of Enrique Mendoza lie at an average of 400 meters altitude, with some parcels over 600 meters. "New" varietals to the zone have been planted in recent years and the bodega is taking full advantage of their potential. Cabernet Sauvignon grows quite well here, and Merlot has been used quite effective with it to produce wines with great complexity of fruit and ageing potential.
 

Enrique Mendoza Winnery

Enrique Mendoza Chardonnay

Production: The grape was harvested at the perfect sugar to acid ratio, and the skins were soaked for three hours before being gently pressed.

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