# Enrique Mendoza Pinot Noir (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Enrique Mendoza
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** Valencia, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.8%
- **Average price:** €14
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** redcurrant, ripe fruit, violet, blueberry, vanilla, toasted bread, smoke

## About this wine

The Enrique Mendoza Pinot Noir 2023 is a single-varietal wine from Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, located in the D.O. Alicante region of Spain. The grapes are sourced from vineyards on the slopes of Cabezo de la Virgen de Villena, at altitudes ranging from 365 to 640 meters. Bodegas Enrique Mendoza was founded in 1989 by Enrique Mendoza, and the winery is now managed by his sons, José and Julián. The estate is committed to quality and sustainability, employing environmentally friendly viticulture practices. A distinctive aspect of this wine is the successful cultivation of Pinot Noir in the Mediterranean climate of Alicante, demonstrating the grape's adaptability and the winery's dedication to expressing the local terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Pinot Noir flourishes in Alicante, a region more commonly associated with warmer climate grapes.
- Vineyards are located on slopes between 365 and 640 meters, offering diverse microclimates.
- The winery practices environmentally friendly viticulture, avoiding chemical herbicides and pesticides.
- This wine is certified vegan.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium body and balanced tannins make it versatile. Its subtle fruit notes complement lighter proteins and earthy flavors, while its gentle acidity can cut through moderate richness.

## Wine making process

The Enrique Mendoza Pinot Noir 2023 is produced using grapes harvested manually in boxes. The winemaking process involves soft destemming, with whole grapes fermented in small stainless steel vats. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for approximately 10-12 months in French oak barrels from Allier, with a portion of these being new. Bodegas Enrique Mendoza employs environmentally friendly and sustainable viticulture practices, including avoiding chemical herbicides and pesticides, and adhering to organic farming principles.