Abel Mendoza Jarrarte Blanco 2025

Abel Mendoza and his partner Maite farm around 20 hectares at San Vicente de la Sonsierra in Rioja Alta, working in the detailed, small-grower manner they compare to a Burgundy domaine. This white, Jarrarte Blanco, is a blend led by Viura and Malvasía with smaller amounts of Torrontés, Tempranillo Blanco and Garnacha Blanca. The vineyards sit on clay and limestone soils at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, where the mountains temper the climate and the cool nights help hold acidity and preserve the aromatic freshness of the fruit. This is the fresh, early-drinking style in the range, made to show primary fruit rather than oak, so fermentation in tank at controlled temperature protects the delicate floral and citrus aromatics and keeps the wine bright and direct. The colour is pale straw with green tints. The nose combines green apple, lemon, pear and white peach with a lift of white flowers from the Malvasía and Torrontés. The palate is crisp and clean, the fruit carried by fresh acidity to a dry, mineral finish. Serve chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It suits grilled fish, seafood and fresh salads.