Why it matters
The producer
Bodegas E. Mendoza, SLU is the official entity name for Bodegas Enrique Mendoza. The bodega follows organic viticulture, avoiding synthetic herbicides and pesticides. Its named red wine is Enrique Mendoza Pinot Noir, made entirely from Pinot Noir under the Alicante appellation.
Enrique Mendoza began buying, collecting and investing in wine in the late 1970s. The turning point came in 1989, when he turned that activity into Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, a family enterprise. Wine moved from acquisition to production, and the family name became attached to wines made by the bodega.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
The winery stands in Alfàs del Pi, Alicante, and its vineyards run from 365 to 640 metres above sea level. Higher ground lengthens the ripening season and helps retain acidity, while lower ground reaches maturity sooner. The Pinot Noir carries Alicante as its appellation, putting the geographic name on the bottle as well as at the winery.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
Fermentation for the Pinot Noir takes place in stainless steel tanks under strict temperature control. The wine then ages for 6 months in new and second year French oak barrels from Allier. Stainless steel is a neutral fermentation vessel, so the fermentation stage keeps wood out of the wine. Oak ageing adds wood contact and gradual oxygen exposure after fermentation, which softens mouthfeel over time. New barrels bring fresher wood contact, while second year barrels bring a gentler influence. The wider winery practice also uses French oak from Allier and American oak from Missouri and Oregon.
Wines to know
The range in view
The named red wine in the range is Enrique Mendoza Pinot Noir. The 2025 vintage comes from the Alicante appellation, is made from 100% Pinot Noir, and carries 13.5% alcohol. It is a single grape variety wine. The broader portfolio follows the winery's general production practices, while this bottle is identified by its grape, vintage, appellation and alcohol.
The Pinot Noir shows medium ruby with a reddish rim. Its nose brings red berries, red and blue flowers, spices and creamy nuances, with fresh cherries and strawberries alongside violet, vanilla and caramel. On the palate, it is smooth with medium body, crisp acidity and balanced tannins. Crisp acidity keeps the fruit fresh, while the tannins give the wine a gentle grip. Vanilla and caramel bring a lightly toasted note to the aroma.