Abel Mendoza Torrontés 2021

Blended, rather than co-fermented, this is a brilliant five-way cuvée of equal parts Viura and Garnacha Blanca, with 20% Tempranillo Blanco, 10% Malvasía Blanca and 10% Torrontés. Cinnamon and wild flower top notes segue into a palate of quince, tangerine, waxed lemons and wet stones. Delicious. 2024-30

The 2021 Torrontés was produced with the rare grape that is the same as the grape called Albillo Mayor in Ribera del Duero, a variety with moderate ripeness and good acidity, but somehow in 2021 it has a higher pH and lower acidity than the Malvasía. This could be neutral early on but ages very nicely in bottle. It's 13.5% alcohol and has nice balance and the 2021 profile of purity and elegance. 1,175 bottles were filled in April 2022. - Luis Gutiérrez.