Abel Mendoza, Viura, DOCa Rioja, Spain, 2021

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

Calcareous clay soils, grapes from different plots. From old vines, over 30 years, grown in San Vicente de La Sonsierra.

Winemaking

Temperature controlled fermentation in new French Oak barrels and 4 1/2 months on its fine lees.

Oak Ageing

Time: 5 Months
Type: French
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 100

Tasting Note

Straw yellow. Intense aromas, floral, very perfumed, with good fruit expression in the foreground, and well integrated wood notes of balsamic and dried grass. In the mouth it has superb acidity with a bright, smooth, silky and pleasant finish.

Food Matching

Cheese, Fish and Foie Gras

Awards

Tim Atkin Rioja Report 2023 95 Points
Made with Viura grapes that are inter-planted as so-called "cabezadas" in predominantly red vineyards, this superb white hails from Ábalos, Labastida and San Vicente. Effortlessly poised and concentrated, with a shimmering citrus fruit core, fine oak, leesy intensity and top notes of aniseed and honeysuckle. 2024-30. 95 Points, TA, 2023.
Decanter 95 Points
A standout wine from a significant player in the renaissance of Rioja white wines. This is a beautifully judged balance of oak and ringingly clean Viura fruit - a combination of juicy pear, tangerine and nougat-like nutty creaminess, with real depth, presence and length. 95 Points, DW, May 2023.