Enrique Mendoza Finca Xaconero 2022
An estate wine packed with Mediterranean character
Enrique Mendoza Finca Xaconero 2022 is a sensational red that was grown in eastern Spain, on gobelet-trained Monastrell vines, and has the freshness and balance that characterise all wines from Alicante. It was made by one of the region’s leading wineries, Enrique Mendoza, which belongs to the Spanish association of great wine estates.
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General features
General Information
Enrique Mendoza Finca Xaconero 2022 is a Vino de Paraje, meaning that it is officially recognised as a red with unique character grown on a selection of vines in a particular place and is the best expression of that terroir, which is the main distinguishing feature with its soils and its history. It is made exclusively from Monastrell grapes grown on gobelet-trained vines on the slopes of the Cabezo de la Virgen in Villena (Alicante), and the most recent vintages have had rave reviews from critics, such as the 91-point score that wine guru Robert Parker and the Peñín guide gave to that of 2021.
It's named after the ‘xarco de enero’ (literally ‘the January puddle’) that is mentioned in the earliest documents referring to the cultivation of the winery’s estate. Dating from the 1500s, they tell of how it rained so heavily in September and October that the ground would remain flooded until January. To extract all the potential of fresh fruit and the flavours of the Monastrell variety, the grapes were picked by hand in crates, destemmed and transferred whole to small stainless steel vats, where they were fermented at a controlled temperature.
Enrique Mendoza Finca Xaconero 2022 comes from one of the leading Alicante wineries, Enrique Mendoza, which belongs to the Grandes Pagos de España, a not-for-profit association that brings together more than 30 prestigious wineries across Spain with a shared aim: to make excellent wines in harmony with the soil, nature and climate of each vineyard. This red goes perfectly with dishes such as noodles with duck and wild mushrooms.
Tasting notes
Garnet-red of medium intensity. Fresh aromas of red fruit and hints of broom, lavender and rosemary, ending with notes of spice, toast, coffee and balsamic hints. Fresh and balanced attack, with sweet, pleasant tannins and medium-length, harmonious mid-palate with hints of red fruit and spices. Elegant, subtly marked by smooth tannins and a long, lingering finish.
The winery
Bodegas Enrique Mendoza is a family-owned winery founded in 1989 and based in the town of Alfaz del Pi, in Alicante. The seed of the winery was "planted" in the late 1970s by Enrique Mendoza, a viticulturist passionate about enology, who decided to continue the tradition of the Marina Baixa region of producing wine for family consumption.
Today, the project has become well-established, and Bodegas Enrique Mendoza boasts 84.5 hectares of vineyards. The winery prides itself on being a pioneer in the region for introducing renowned international varieties such as the white chardonnay and the red cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot, petit verdot, and syrah, while also championing local varieties like monastrell, the queen grape of the D.O. Vinos Alicante, and moscatel.
The winery's philosophy is rooted in respect for the vineyard and the environment, practicing a herbicide- and insecticide-free viticulture with precise care, resulting in wines full of nuances.
Today, the project has become well-established, and Bodegas Enrique Mendoza boasts 84.5 hectares of vineyards. The winery prides itself on being a pioneer in the region for introducing renowned international varieties such as the white chardonnay and the red cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot, petit verdot, and syrah, while also championing local varieties like monastrell, the queen grape of the D.O. Vinos Alicante, and moscatel.
The winery's philosophy is rooted in respect for the vineyard and the environment, practicing a herbicide- and insecticide-free viticulture with precise care, resulting in wines full of nuances.