Abel Mendoza Risueño 2022

Abel Mendoza and Maite Fernandez founded their small winery in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in Rioja, in 1988, and their wines are sought after for their personal, distinctive character. Risueno is an unusual blend of Graciano with both Garnacha Tinta and Garnacha Blanca, combining red and white grapes for a wine that is fresh but textured. The 18 hectares of estate vineyards sit on hilly terrain of clay-limestone, sandy and stony soils, with the altitude and cool nights of the Sonsierra preserving acidity and aromatic detail. The grapes are pressed early to keep the colour pale, fermented cool, then aged six months in stainless steel on the lees. That lees contact adds a fine, rounder texture and a subtle savoury depth while the neutral tank keeps the fruit clean and the colour delicate. The wine is pale salmon. It can seem reserved at first, then opens with red berries, cherry and ripe white peach over white flowers and a faint almond note. The palate is dry and crisp, light to medium in body, with bright acidity and a fine, textured finish. Serve well chilled at around 8 to 10 degrees.