Abel Mendoza, Jarrarte Tinto Oak Aged, Rioja, Spain, 2018

Producer Profile

Modest, passionate and in no small part obsessive, Abel Mendoza and Maite Fernández have been making understated wines from their old vine vineyards, high up in the Cantabrian mountains near San Vicente de la Sonsierra since the late 80s.

His intimate knowledge of the diverse terroirs in this spectacular part of Rioja is enthralling, and every barrel tasted reveals startling provenance and true character of the vintage. Abel doesn’t make wines that flatter, they don’t speak of oak regimes, but rather of the quality of his fruit, expressed in its most honest form.

Viticulture

Wine made from grapes that come from vines with an average age of 35 years, located in different areas of the municipality of San Vicente de la Sonsierra (La Rioja), Labastida and Abalos. Clay-Calcareous soils.

Winemaking

The fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature.

Oak Ageing

Time: 12 Months
Type: French Oak Allier
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 50

Tasting Note

Cherry red, purple and traces of violet. Subtle notes of cocoa, liquorice, and balsamic. It enters the mouth dry and structured.

Food Matching

Beef and Pasta Bolognaise

Awards

Decanter 94 Points
A 100% Tempranillo from vines with an average age of 35 years, this has had 12 months in French oak, but it's the quality of the bright, vivid fruit that shines through, with aromatic red and black berries, a touch of aniseed and rosemary/ lavendar, and some delightfully fine tannins. 94 Points, Rioja Guide, March 2023