Enrique Mendoza Ladecan 2024: The New Mediterranean Voice of Monastrell
Enrique Mendoza Ladecan 2024 is a young red wine with the Alicante Denomination of Origin that marks a new chapter in the Mendoza family’s winemaking journey. Made entirely from Monastrell grapes grown in dry-farmed bush vines, this wine embodies the authenticity of the Alicante landscape and the energy of a land bathed in sunlight and caressed by the Mediterranean breeze.
Its name, Ladecan, refers to the natural enclave where it originates, at the foot of the northern slope of the Sierra del Castellar. In this shaded area, the Mediterranean forest acts as a natural refuge, retaining winter humidity and protecting the vines from the summer heat. This unique environment, with sandy-loam soils and old bush-trained vines, defines the wine’s personality — fresh, juicy, and full of life.
The Soul of the Ladecan Landscape
The Ladecan area lies in a region of great historical and ecological value. Its land preserves an ancient Phoenician agricultural site from the 7th–6th centuries BC — evidence of the earliest farming settlements on Spain’s eastern coast. This historical detail not only adds cultural depth to the wine but also reinforces the sense of continuity between past and present: the work of the land remains the essence of life in this area.
The Mediterranean climate, with continental influences, cool nights and the protection of the mountains, creates an exceptional microclimate for the Monastrell variety. The vines’ roots dig deep in search of water, and that effort translates into thick-skinned grapes with concentrated aromas and a natural balance between fruit and acidity.
Conscious Viticulture and Minimal Intervention
Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, founded in 1989 in Alfaz del Pi, has long been a pioneer of environmentally respectful viticulture. Its vineyards are cultivated under sustainable principles and minimal intervention, avoiding unnecessary chemicals and promoting biodiversity. In the case of Ladecan, every agricultural practice is focused on maintaining soil vitality and the authenticity of the fruit.
The harvest is done manually, selecting the clusters at their optimal ripeness. The grapes are transported in small crates to prevent damage and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks — a process that preserves the natural aromas of the Monastrell and produces a clean, vibrant, and expressive wine.
Vegan Certification and a Natural Philosophy
One of the distinctive features of Enrique Mendoza Ladecan 2024 is its official vegan certification awarded by the Spanish Vegetarian Union under the European V-Label. This guarantees that no animal-derived products are used at any stage — not even during clarification or stabilization. It is a clear commitment to ethical, sustainable production, aligned with a new generation of consumers seeking honest wines that respect nature.
This philosophy also reflects the Mendoza family’s belief that wine is an extension of the landscape rather than an industrial product. Ladecan is the purest expression of that vision — a red wine born from the vineyard, unadorned, transparent, and perfectly balanced.
Fresh Personality and Mediterranean Character
Its aromatic profile evokes the Mediterranean undergrowth and the natural surroundings of the landscape where it originates, providing a direct connection to the land and a distinctly recognizable style among young Monastrell wines.
Bodegas Enrique Mendoza: Family Tradition with a Vision for the Future
The Mendoza family has been one of the main driving forces behind the renaissance of Alicante wines. From the very beginning, the winery has focused on recovering the essence of the Mediterranean terroir and highlighting native varieties such as Monastrell. Under the leadership of Pepe and Julián Mendoza, the winery combines traditional wisdom with ongoing research, developing projects that integrate innovation, sustainability, and respect for local identity.
Within this context, Ladecan is more than just a new label: it represents the continuity of a family legacy and a forward-looking vision guided by modern sensitivity. It is the result of years of quiet work, observing the vineyard, listening to the land, and understanding that the greatness of wine begins with the vine itself.
Food Pairing and Ideal Moments
The Ladecan red wine from Enrique Mendoza pairs naturally with Mediterranean cuisine. Its balance makes it perfect for meat-based rice dishes, roasted white meats, cold cuts, tapas, mild cheeses and traditional recipes. It also shines in casual gatherings, where its cheerful character and freshness make it an ideal companion for conversation.
Served at around 14–16 °C, it reveals its full aromatic potential and smooth texture. Although designed to be enjoyed in its youth, it can rest in the bottle for another year or two, gaining complexity while maintaining its original energy.
A Monastrell That Redefines Alicante’s Identity
With Ladecan 2024, Bodegas Enrique Mendoza reaffirms its commitment to the D.O. Alicante and to the Monastrell grape as a symbol of this region. It is a wine that blends tradition, freshness, and emotion — free of artifice, carrying a clear message: the future of Mediterranean wine lies in authenticity and respect for its origins.
At Licorea, we believe that Ladecan is one of those wines capable of truly connecting with those who seek real experiences. Its freshness, balance and Mediterranean spirit make it one of the most exciting new releases — an invitation to rediscover the vitality of Alicante wines. A wine to enjoy, to share, and to celebrate the beauty of simplicity done well.
