Contrasts in Rioja part 3: Abel Mendoza Monge

See here for my tasting notes.

Like Benjamin Romeo, Abel Mendoza Monge is in San Vicente de la Sonsierra in north-west Spain. While not exactly the same size, they are both small-scale producers compared with the big boys in Rioja such as the polished Marqués de Riscal.

Where Benjamin is excitable and on the wild side, husband and wife Maite Fernandez Mendoza and Abel Mendoza Monge appear more reserved, but their determination to understand and make the most of each grape variety and site is just as strong and palpable as chez Romeo. They seem to have embarked...