Abel Mendoza Selección Personal 2022

Abel Mendoza Selección Personal is a Rioja red made by Abel Mendoza Monje in San Vicente de la Sonsierra, in Rioja Alta on the north bank of the Ebro. Mendoza began in 1988 and farms eighteen organically cultivated hectares spread across rough, varied ground. The soils alternate between clay, marl and fine sandstone, and this patchwork gives the wine complexity, as each soil type lends a slightly different character to the Tempranillo. The climate is moderately continental with a clear Cantabrian influence from the north, which moderates summer heat and lengthens the ripening season, preserving freshness in the fruit. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in French oak barrels, a measured ageing that rounds the tannin and adds spice and a light vanilla without burying the fruit. The colour is a bright cherry red. The nose shows fresh red berries and cherry, plum, dried herbs and a savoury, earthy note from the varied soils. The palate is medium bodied and balanced, with fine tannin, good acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It pairs well with roast lamb, grilled beef and pork.