Fierroca 2021: Grand Cru Wine from Bodegas Pepe Mendoza
Fierroca 2021 is a Mediterranean ageing wine that embodies the highest expression of Bodegas Pepe Mendoza’s winemaking project. It is the winery’s first Grand Cru, born from a unique vineyard on the Abargues estate, where soil, climate, and orientation come together to create a truly exceptional and unrepeatable result. Its name reflects the strength of the land that sustains it: soils rich in iron and rock that define the mineral character of this outstanding wine.
Origin and uniqueness of the vineyard
The Fierroca vineyard lies at the highest point of the Abargues estate, a privileged enclave where three narrow, elongated terraces have been identified as providing the ideal conditions for this microvinification. These plots have soils low in organic matter, with a high concentration of iron and rock, giving the wine a firm, mineral profile. The orientation and Mediterranean microclimate, influenced by both sun and breezes, allow for slow, balanced ripening of the grapes.
Variety and winemaking
This wine is made exclusively from 100% Giró, a native grape of the Marina Alta region, deeply rooted in the winegrowing landscape of Alicante. At Bodegas Pepe Mendoza, every detail of the vinification has been meticulously cared for, with the plots subdivided into microvinifications to better understand the behaviour of each vineyard. The estate’s highest area revealed a distinct character: wines with fewer anthocyanins but greater strength, tannins, and structure. This uniqueness led to its separate ageing and, ultimately, bottling as an independent and exclusive wine.
Mediterranean character and power on the palate
Fierroca 2021 stands out for its Mediterranean personality, with an intense and multi-layered profile. The mineral expression of the iron-rich soils shows clearly in the glass, bringing structure and a distinctive identity. The Giró variety shines here in pure form, delivering aromas of ripe fruit, aromatic herbs, and spicy undertones reminiscent of the Mediterranean scrubland. On the palate, it displays firm tannins, freshness, and a silky texture that promises excellent ageing potential.
A premium ageing wine
This wine is not designed for immediate consumption but for patience and cellaring. Fierroca 2021 was created to evolve in the bottle, revealing new facets over the years. It is crafted for lovers of complexity who enjoy discovering how time shapes a wine with deep roots and a marked sense of terroir. Its limited production makes it a true oenological gem within Pepe Mendoza’s collection.
Extremely limited availability
The production of Fierroca 2021 is extremely limited. Each bottle represents the outcome of a meticulous grape selection and a carefully executed artisanal process. At Licorea, we highlight this wine as a rarity within our premium wine category, since its exclusivity and connection to a specific terroir make it particularly hard to find. For collectors and enthusiasts of Mediterranean ageing wines, it is a unique opportunity to add a landmark reference to their cellar.
Serving and pairing suggestions
We recommend enjoying Fierroca 2021 on special occasions, allowing the wine to express itself slowly. Ideally, it should be served in a large glass, giving it room to breathe and release its full aromatic potential. Its structured character makes it an excellent match for grilled red meats, game dishes, and slow-cooked Mediterranean stews. It also pairs beautifully with mature cheeses or can be the highlight of a vertical tasting with other wines from the estate, showcasing the distinctive nuances of each parcel.
Fierroca in the philosophy of Bodegas Pepe Mendoza
At Pepe Mendoza, attention to detail and respect for the natural environment are fundamental pillars. Fierroca embodies this pursuit of authenticity, of understanding each plot and bottling only what is truly special. This wine not only reflects the terroir of Abargues but also the philosophy of working in harmony with the Mediterranean landscape, recovering traditional varieties and enhancing the region’s unique identity.
At Licorea, we consider Fierroca 2021 a wine that brings something new to the world of premium Mediterranean wines. Its origin in iron- and rock-rich soils, its 100% Giró composition, and its limited production make it an exclusive experience. More than just a bottle, it is an expression of the Alicante landscape and a project that paves the way towards a more authentic, deeply rooted understanding of wine.
