Abel Mendoza Torrontés 2022

Something of a speciality at this white-wine focused bodega, this Torrontés uses grape from four parcels in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. White pepper and green tea aromas lead you into a palate of lemongrass, pink grapefruit and vanilla spice, lifted by bright, tangy acidity. 2024-29. 

The varietal white 2022 Torrontés is from individual vines scattered among the different vineyards. It fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels, where the wine matured with fine lees and periodic bâtonnage for five months. This is the same grape called Albillo Mayor in Ribera del Duero, not to be confused with the Albillo Real from Gredos, the Albilla from Manchuela or the Albillo Criollo from the Canary Islands! It's a variety that existed in Rioja in the 18th century and then disappeared. This has 13.5% alcohol, the lowest of the whites from 2022, and a pH of 3.42 and 5.09 grams of acidity. It feels a little more reductive and closed. It has controlled ripeness with notes of white peach, some spice and a floral touch. It's round and seamless, with a medium-bodied palate with focused and clean flavors, very pleasant. 1,722 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2023.