Bodega Enrique Mendoza
Wine tasting on the Costa Blanca
Many an evening (out) dining is accompanied by drinking a good glass of wine. Many good quality wines come from Spain and even very regional very good wines are made. Since you’re in the region anyway, good reason to take a closer look at this process (and do some tasting).
Wine tasting near Moraira?
About 40 minutes away, in Alfaz del Pi is the bodega of Enrique Mendoza. Can I convince you by indicating that the combination of Spanish wines, lush gardens, tasty snacks ánd historical facts make this bodega a must-visit during your stay in Moraira?
I will explain below what to expect. Then you can take your own agenda and decide when you are going to experience it for yourself. The bodega is beautifully located and surrounded by a large and well-maintained garden that includes many palms. Just a walk around outside here is wonderful.
The bodega of Enrique Mendoza
This family winery is a member of the ´grandes pagos de España´, which currently consists of some 35 prestigious bodegas in Spain. These bodegas are dedicated to producing the best wines using the original terroir (soil), climate and natural environment. In Alicante, the bodega of Enrique Mendoza is the only bodega allowed to be part of this.
In advance you can book (online) a guided tour, to be followed in English or Spanish. During this 2-hour tour, you will be told all about the production process. You start in the room where the steel tanks are filled with wine. Here it is explained how Enrique got the idea to produce wine in the first place. But also where the vineyards are located and especially what influence this has on the grapes and therefore on the wine.
In yet another room you can see and smell the wooden wine barrels. Two different wine barrels are used. These are the French oak and the American oak. Both have their own characteristic aromas that affect the wine. Then there is also a room where the bottles are bottled. This is also very interesting to see. Here 8 people work at the same time to make sure that the wine gets a label and ends up in the box.
Wine in wooden barrels
It is not only the grape that gives the wine its special taste. Other important points include the wooden barrels and the cork on the bottle. At Enrique Mendoza, they use the genuine natural cork for all their wines. They believe it best suits the wine they produce and preserves the flavors better as well as allows the wine to age better after.
They have categorized their wines as “wines of preservation” which, even after years of storage, are still very tasty and, if all goes well, even more refined in taste. In this process, a good cork ensures that the aromas continue to develop by allowing them to breathe. The wooden barrels are an art in themselves. The wooden barrels they use come from France and America. The wood of these two differs considerably, you can already notice this when you feel the wooden barrels, one is very rough the other a lot softer. The one from France is much more expensive to buy but lasts longer. They also differ considerably in terms of taste. It is even explained how the barrels are made.
Wooden beams are heated to the right shape. Then you can also indicate to what extent you want the barrels to be roasted because this also has a great influence on the final taste profile of the wine.
Wine tasting with Enrique Mendoza
At the end of the tour, so much information has been told that it is time to do some tasting. There will be 7 wines (1 white, 1 rosé, 4 red and 1 dessert wine). Together with the winemaker you will judge the different wines by their smell and taste, which is very special, especially since you will have seen the entire production process and the materials (cork and wood) that influence the taste.
It is also accompanied by a drinks board with various sausages, goat and sheep cheeses. This, combined with the wine, brings out even more flavors. There is also a piece of baguette with the special olive oil they produce themselves. This is also definitely worth trying. The very last wine is the (red) dessert wine, with which you get another snack that makes the wine even more complex in its taste.
All in all this is a unique experience to have seen the whole production process and to have tasted the wines. Afterwards you can buy some at the store at attractive prices. So you can repeat this tasting at home in the vacation villa. It may also be an idea to take one or more wines home with you to enjoy your vacation in Moraira again.
Rent a holiday home on the Costa Blanca?
Apart from good wine, Spain and specifically Moraira has much more to offer. Not least, the Costa Blanca has many beautiful beaches. But also a rich history with the battles between the Moors and Christians.
Moraira is one such traditional fishing village with a rich history attached. In the 1970s it was discovered by wealthy people from all over the world, who had their vacation villas built here.
The beautiful coastline with high cliffs makes Moraira idyllic. And now anno 2022 that atmosphere is still there. People who once visited Moraira are sure to return.
Would you like to spend your vacation in a holiday home in Moraira? View the offer of holiday homes / apartments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bodega Enrique Mendoza
Where is Bodega Enrique Mendoza located?
The address is Camino del Romeral 42 | 03580 | Alfaz del Pi | Alicante | España.
How long does a wine tasting at Enrique Mendoza last?
On average, a tour of the bodega including a wine tasting takes 2 hours.
Do I need to make a reservation for a tour at Bodega Enrique Mendoza?
Yes, reservations are required. And please do so on time. You can make reservations through Bodega Enrique Mendoza’s website.
