EL VENENO
Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola
"The wildest and most elegant side of Monastrell: a landscape wine, vibrant and profound, that captivates the senses with its untamed character and infinite finish."
The Soul of Villena
Coming from old dry-farmed vineyards on poor sandy and stony soils, this red breaks with the clichés of the warm Mediterranean. Pepe Mendoza manages to tame the natural strength of Monastrell through minimal intervention viticulture, extracting an extraordinary balsamic freshness and verticality that define the new standard of Alicante.
1. Identity Profile
- Winery: Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola.
- Origin: Villena, Alicante, Spain.
- Varietal: 100% Monastrell.
- Aging: 12 Months in French Oak (500L).
- Category: Single Vineyard / Organic Wine.
- Volume: 750 ml.
2. Sommelier's Notes
Appearance: Medium-high ruby red, bright with elegant tears indicating good structure.
Nose: Fascinating complexity. Notes of wild black fruit accompanied by garrigue (pine, rosemary) and a distinctive ferrous minerality from the El Veneno area.
Palate: Powerful yet surprisingly fresh entry. Presents very polished fine-grained tannins, great verticality, and a long finish with balsamic echoes.
3. Terroir Architecture
SINGLE VINEYARD EXPRESSION [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
FRESHNESS AND NERVE [ ● ● ● ● ○ ]
AGING POTENTIAL [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
WINE PROFILE [ VIBRANT / ORGANIC ]
4. The Art of Serving
Food Pairing: Game meats, roasted lamb, traditional stews, and acorn-fed Iberian cured meats. Its freshness perfectly cuts through the richness of intense dishes.
Service: Decanting is recommended for **30 to 45 minutes**. Serve ideally between **16°C and 17°C** to appreciate its aromatic complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes El Veneno unique?
It is a unique plot in Villena with poor sandy and stony soils at 600 meters above sea level. This combination, along with the climate of the Alicante highlands, gives Monastrell an unusual finesse and freshness for the Mediterranean.
Is it necessary to decant El Veneno 2020?
Yes, it is highly recommended. As a single vineyard wine with aging, aeration allows the notes of garrigue, minerality, and black fruit to open up and express their full intensity.