Pepé Mendoza has been one of my favourite discoveries during my time in Valencia. This wine is a particular favourite and i was delighted that he has found a Uk importer who we deal with. In Alicante he works with several varieties, but it's this Giro that particularly enthuses me, it's reputedly related to Grenache. A unique variety, Giró, that since 1500 has united Alicante with Mallorca and Sardinia, the only other regions claiming to grow it. Sensitive to powdery mildew and very low yielding, it lost out in favour of more productive varieties. Yet today it is regarded as a treasure that must be taken care of. Vineyards are at Abargues and Pla Lliber at around 300 meters with a total vineyard area of 2.5 ha. Vines are around 75 years old. Goblet trained, dry farmed, organic vineyards on ancient soils formed during the Triasic period, with rivulets of iron (Terres Rosses) running through the calcareous stones. Some of these vineyards are very close to the Mediterranean. This 2020 is an aboslute gem of a wine. It combines the freshness of some of Spains lighter wines, with the generosity of some of the more famous bigger wines, and is just a treat.
For Pepe it is important to pick these high-potential grapes before they reach over-ripeness or become roasted by the sun, in order to reflect a fresher expression. Soft manual maceration with skins and 30% of stems, no pumping. Fermented with indigenous yeast in 1000l vats for 8-10 days. Pressing of the whole clusters. Lees contact and malolactic fermentation in oak barrels.
Rich in berry fruits with a meaty almost ferrous character, spice and a hint of plain chocolate. Spice and berry fruits, a touch earthy on the long finish. Very food versatile too, i have drunk it with a plate of Jamon Iberico Bellota ham, french onion spoup! Various tapas and maybe the best wood-grilled lamb cutlets!!
