Abel Mendoza 52-60 2022

Abel Mendoza and Maite Fernández established their winery in San Vicente de la Sonsierra in 1988, working plot by plot at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria in D.O.Ca. Rioja. The 52-60 takes its name from the practice of co-planting and co-fermenting red and white varieties together, here Tempranillo and Graciano alongside Viura, Malvasía and Garnacha Blanca. The vineyards lie on poor calcareous clay soils, and the cool air drawn down from the sierra slows ripening and locks in acidity. Fermenting the white grapes on the skins with the reds adds aromatic lift, a brighter mid-palate and a finer tannin texture than a straight red blend. The wine then spends thirteen months in barrel, where slow oxygen exchange softens the tannins and adds a light cedar and spice frame. The colour is bright medium ruby. The nose is fragrant, with ripe cherry and redcurrant over orange and lemon peel, white flowers and a hint of dried herbs. The palate is medium bodied and finely textured, fresh and savoury, with gentle tannins and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It works well with roast pork, poultry and mushroom dishes.