El Veneno from Pedro Mendoza has a deceptively floral nose, hiding the power that comes on the palate. Scents of lavender waft from the bottle, with hints of pine needles, hardy flowering shrubs and oak. It is made from 100% Monastrell, also known as Mourvèdre and Mataro: an intense, brooding grape, this time featuring a twist of Mediterranean herbs.
Pedro Mendoza is one of the best-renowned wine-makers in Spain, focusing his efforts on the underrated southeast of the country. Casa Agrícola is a joint project between Pepe and his wife, Pepa Agulló, who have settled at an old estate manor near the village of Lliber. “El Veneno”, the vineyard that serves as the origin for this wine, lies at roughly 650 meters above sea level in an exceptional corner of Alicante.
This is a serious wine on the palate, ripe and powerful, with mouth-coating tannins and a moody character. Dark fruit flavours mingle with hints of leather herbs, chocolate, earth and minerality. It is lengthy and well-balanced, with plenty of potential for bottle ageing. The Monastrell spent 12 months ageing in French barrels of new oak, imparting woody, pine notes and chunky tannins. Pair this wine with roast pork, beef steak or a hearty casserole.