Abel Mendoza Malvasía 2023

Bodega Abel Mendoza Monge is based in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the higher quality zones of D.O.Ca. Rioja, farming around twenty hectares split across many small plots in San Vicente, Ábalos and Labastida under organic viticulture. This single-variety Malvasía is unusual for the region, where white Rioja is more often Viura. The dispersed plots sit on the varied clay and limestone soils of the Sonsierra foothills, and cool nights off the Sierra de Cantabria hold acidity through ripening. The must ferments in new French oak barrels and then ages four to five months on its fine lees. Fermenting in barrel rather than tank binds the wood to the fruit and yields a more seamless texture, while lees contact and periodic stirring release mannoproteins that add body and a savoury, doughy weight. The new oak contributes structure and a subtle toast. The colour is bright golden straw. The nose shows white peach, pear and almond over beeswax and honey. The palate is delicate but structured, with fresh acidity balancing the creamy, nutty texture through a long finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a large glass.