Abel Mendoza Torrontés 2023

The 2023 Torrontés should not be confused with the Argentinean aromatic Torrontés related to Moscatel, as in reality, it is the same grape as the Albillo Mayor from Ribera del Duero, which existed in Rioja in the 18th century and almost disappeared. It's not a very aromatic grape but has good volume and freshness, and in this case, the wine was made with grapes from scattered vines from different vineyards averaging 12 years of age. The aim of the white varietal collection is to showcase the character of each grape through a similar vinification and élevage, fermenting them in French oak barrels (but the labels don't mention it anymore) and aging the wines in those barrels with the fine lees that are stirred periodically for five months. It has controlled ripeness and 13.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.32 and 5.56 grams of acidity. The wines are quite shy when young and tend to show the varietal character with some time in bottle. It has a pale yellow color and is not exuberant but serious and a little shy, with a core of spicy and smoky notes; it has a streamlined palate with great chalkiness, where it is textured, fresh, balanced and sapid. I find it quite expressive. This is quite scarce, with 1,167 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2024.

A serious and gastronomic torrontes. Minerally, with some lemon zest and melon. Nice texture, with a medium body, good volume and a phenolic twist. It’s nothing like an Argentinian torrontes. Drink now.