Enrique Mendoza Chardonnay Fermentado en Barrica 2025

Enrique Mendoza makes this Chardonnay entirely from its own El Chaconero estate at Cabezo de la Virgen near Villena, in D.O. Alicante. The fruit is given a short three-hour skin maceration to draw out aroma, then fermented slowly at a low 16 degrees in new Allier French oak, where it stays on its lees and yeasts until bottling. Fermenting cool in barrel preserves the freshness of the fruit while building oak influence, and the extended lees contact releases mannoproteins that add a creamy, rounded weight to the palate. The warm Mediterranean climate of inland Alicante gives ripe stone fruit, kept in balance by the altitude of the site. The colour is bright gold. The nose shows white peach and melon over vanilla, toasted bread and honey, with a toasted almond note from the new oak. The palate is broad and creamy, framed by fresh acidity that keeps it lively, and finishes long with a savoury, buttery edge. Serve at 11 to 12 degrees in a broad glass. It suits richer fish, poultry and creamy dishes.