EL VENENO
Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola
"The wildest and most elegant side of Monastrell: a landscape wine, vibrant and profound, captivating the senses with its untamed character and infinite finish."
The Soul of Villena
Sourced from old, dry-farmed vineyards on poor sandy and stony soils, this red breaks with the stereotypes of a warm Mediterranean. Pepe Mendoza manages to tame the natural strength of Monastrell through minimal intervention viticulture, extracting extraordinary balsamic freshness and verticality that define the new Alicante standard.
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's Notes
Appearance: Medium-high ruby red, brilliant with elegant legs 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 site.
Palate: Powerful yet surprisingly fresh entry. Displays very polished fine-grained tannins, great verticality, and a long finish with balsamic echoes.
3. Terroir Architecture
VINEYARD EXPRESSION [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
FRESHNESS AND NERVE [ ● ● ● ● ○ ]
AGING POTENTIAL [ ● ● ● ● ● ]
WINE PROFILE [ VIBRANT / ORGANIC ]
4. The Art of Serving
Food Pairing: Game meats, roasted lamb, traditional stew dishes, and Iberian acorn-fed cured meats. Its freshness perfectly cuts through the richness of intense dishes.
Service: Decanting is recommended for **30 to 45 minutes**. Ideally serve between **16°C and 17°C** to appreciate its aromatic complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the El Veneno area special?
It is a unique plot in Villena with poor sandy and stony soils at 600 meters of altitude. 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 garrigue notes, minerality, and black fruit to open up and express themselves with full intensity.
