EL VENENO
"The wildest and most elegant side of Monastrell: a landscape wine, vibrant and deep, that captures the senses with its untamed character and infinite finish."
The Soul of Villena
Sourced from old, dry-farmed vines on poor, sandy, and stony soils, this red wine defies the clichés of the warm Mediterranean. Pepe Mendoza succeeds in taming the natural strength of the Monastrell through minimal-intervention viticulture, extracting balsamic freshness and an extraordinary verticality that define the new standard for Alicante. Get it with guaranteed delivery at LaCava.shop.
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 Wine / Organic.
- Volume: 750 ml.
2. Sommelier Notes
Appearance: Medium-high depth ruby red, brilliant, with elegant legs that denote its great structure.
Nose: Fascinating complexity. Notes of wild black fruit accompanied by scrubland (pine, rosemary) and a ferrous minerality distinctive of the El Veneno site.
Palate: Powerful entry, yet surprisingly fresh. It features 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, roast lamb, traditional stews, and acorn-fed Iberian ham. Its freshness perfectly cuts through the richness of intense dishes.
Service: Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes is recommended. Serve ideally between 16°C and 17°C to appreciate its aromatic complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the El Veneno site special?
It is a unique plot in Villena with poor sandy and stony soils at an altitude of 600 meters. This combination, together with the climate of the Alicante highlands, gives the Monastrell an unusual finesse and freshness for the Mediterranean.
Is it necessary to decant El Veneno 2020?
Yes, it is highly recommended. As an aged single-vineyard wine, oxygenation allows the notes of scrubland, minerality, and black fruit to open up and express themselves with full intensity.