Enrique Mendoza Pinot Noir 2025

Enrique Mendoza is one of Alicante's leading producers, and this Pinot Noir comes from vines on the Cabezo de la Virgen slope near Villena, farmed by environmentally minded methods and made to vegan standards. Pinot Noir is a cool-climate grape, so the elevation of the inland Alicante hills matters: the altitude brings cooler nights that hold acidity and keep the fruit fresh in a warm Mediterranean region. The harvest runs through the second half of September from a tightly selected crop. The grapes are gently destemmed to keep the berries whole, then fermented in small stainless steel tanks, which preserves the variety's bright red fruit and avoids picking up any extra weight. The wine then ages eleven months in new and one-year-old French Allier oak, fine-grained barrels that add subtle spice and vanilla without smothering the delicate fruit, while the slow oxygen exchange settles the tannins. The 2025 is a vibrant ruby red. The nose offers ripe cherry and raspberry with redcurrant, a touch of clove and an earthy undertone. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and silky, with fine tannins and a savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It suits poultry and game.