Enrique Mendoza Estrecho 2021

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Enrique Mendoza
Label Name:
 
Estrecho
Vintage:
 
2021
Country:
 
Spain
Region:
 
Alicante (D.O. Alicante)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
100% Monastrell
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
14-16°C

Awards/Ratings
Peñín Guide 93 (tasting 2023); AporVino ~95 points ; Wine Advocate / Robert Parker series ratings for recent Estrecho vintages ~92–94; Vivino user average ~4. 0/5; multiple international retailer listings and high critic scores

Tasting Note
Ruby red with garnet rim. Intense red and black berries, floral lift, Mediterranean herbs (thyme, rosemary), sweet spice, subtle smoke and balsamic notes. Fresh acidity, sweet-balanced tannins and a medium-long finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled lamb, ribeye, roast beef, game, barbecue and rich stews. Asian: Korean BBQ (galbi), Chinese red-braised beef, Sichuan spicy lamb, teriyaki beef, yakitori and hoi sin duck.

Production Method
Hand-harvested Monastrell from sandy, dry-farmed vineyards; gentle vinification with minimal extraction, fermented with native yeasts and aged 15–16 months in French oak barrels. Sustainable/zero-residue vineyard practices.

Vineyard Info
Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, founded 1989 (Alfaz del Pi). Family-run estate (Finca El Chaconero near Villena) focusing on Monastrell and precision, sustainable viticulture; estate-grown fruit.