Pepe Mendoza, Pureza Ánfora, Moscatel de Alejandría, DO Vinos Alicante, Spain, 2024

Product code: 4996

Producer Profile

Pepe Mendoza is one of the most respected winemakers in southeast Spain, focusing on local and Mediterranean varieties sourced from vineyards in the Alto Vinalopó area near Villena, and the coastal-influenced Marina Alta.

His latest project, Casa Agrícola is a personal project, created with his wife Pepa Agulló, to make high-quality wines from Monastrell, Syrah, Macabeo, Moscatel and Giró. With plantings dating back to 1923, vineyards are organically cultivated, dry-farmed on ancient terraces, and in tune with the climate of Alicante. Pepe refers to his entry levels wines as ‘landscape wines’, the white a delicious blend of Macabeo and Airen from Vinalopó, and Moscatel from Marina Alta, whilst the red is equal parts Monastrell, Giró and Garnacha Tintorera (aka Alicante Bouschet) from Alto Vinalopó. Pureza is skin contact Moscatel fermented in amphorae. With the pinnacle of the range, two single vineyard wines, El Veneno, a stunningly fresh expression of Monastrell sourced from the highest plots in Alto Vinalopó, and Abarques, which reflects the character of Giró and the Marina Alta location.

Viticulture

A wine of great authenticity, strength and purity reminiscent of the old 'Brisat' whites made in this area, a style we now refer to as skin contact or orange wines. The vineyards are at Benimei, Pla de Lliber, 300 meters above sea level and were planted in 1943. Clonal selections are Clon Glos and vineyards are dry-farmed in the traditional goblet style. Farmed organically although not certified from ferrous clay soils with calcareous stones.

Winemaking

Vinification is carried out in an artisanal fashion, where there is contact with the must and skins fermenting with their own indigenous yeasts for 8-10 days. There is no acidity correction, no settling, and no use of enzymes. Macerated 2-3 times a day with gentle punch downs. The wine is fermented in amphorae made by Juan Padilla of 220, 250 and 350 litres.

Tasting Note

A delicate and more elegant vintage, the nose reveals freshly cut roses, jasmine and orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is broad and expansive, lifted by vibrant acidity that lends verticality, while subtle saline notes evoke the nearby coastal sea, adding freshness and a sense of place.