Wines Alicante Enrique Mendoza - Vino de Parcela Pinot Noir - 2024

Viniou Reviews

The Enrique Mendoza Vino de Parcela Pinot Noir 2024 from Alicante DO stands as a remarkable example of the delicate adaptation of this Burgundian grape to the Spanish Mediterranean. Produced with certified organic viticulture, this wine is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir, a grape renowned for its subtlety and aromatic complexity. The 2024 vintage benefits from thoughtful parcel selection, allowing the unique microclimates and soils of the estate to express themselves fully. Vinification techniques are gentle, aiming to preserve the varietal’s natural elegance, with careful temperature control and minimal intervention, resulting in a light to medium-bodied red with refined tannins and a vibrant, fruit-forward profile. Expect nuances of wild strawberry, ripe cherry, soft floral notes, and a touch of earthy minerality—characteristic of both Pinot Noir and the region’s calcareous soils.

Alicante, in the southeast of Spain, is better known for robust red wines, but its varied topography and proximity to the Mediterranean provide ideal sites for cultivating more restrained varieties like Pinot Noir, especially in higher altitude parcels. The climate here is typically warm and dry—a Mediterranean setting tempered by sea breezes and moderate elevation, which help maintain essential freshness and balance in the grapes. Alicante’s wine heritage goes back centuries, with a renaissance in high-quality, single-parcel wines over recent decades, underlining the potential of local terroirs beyond their traditional varietals.

This organic Pinot Noir is best showcased alongside dishes that echo its finesse and aromatic precision. Poultry with subtle herbs, such as roast guinea fowl or herb-crusted chicken, makes a perfect partner, as do charcuterie and soft cheeses like Murcia al vino, a regional speciality. For a vegetarian option, consider oven-roasted Mediterranean vegetables with thyme or mushroom risotto—a natural match with the wine’s earthy undertones.

For optimal expression on the palate, serve this Pinot Noir slightly cool, between 14-16°C. Decanting for half an hour can further lift its aromatic bouquet. Enjoy it young for its lively fruit or consider brief cellaring to develop greater complexity.