Enrique Mendoza Petit Verdot 2022

Enrique Mendoza Petit Verdot comes from D.O. Alicante in Valencia, made by Bodegas Mendoza from a single variety more often used to season blends than to stand alone. The vineyards are farmed under a sustainable, low intervention regime. Petit Verdot is a late ripening grape that needs heat to come good, and the warm Alicante climate suits it well, building deep colour, dark fruit and firm tannin while the inland altitude holds enough acidity for balance. The juice undergoes a slow fermentation in stainless steel over twenty four days to extract colour and structure gently, then the wine ages nine months in American oak and a further five in French oak. The American barrel adds a sweeter, coconut and vanilla spice, while the French oak brings a finer, more savoury grain, and the long ageing resolves the grape's naturally robust tannins. The colour is dense, almost opaque purple. The nose shows ripe plum, blackcurrant and black pepper with cedar and a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is full bodied and structured, the finish long and firm. Serve at 17 degrees and decant an hour ahead.