In the verdant vineyards of Alicante, Spain, Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola emerges as a stronghold of tradition and innovation in the art of winemaking. Under the stewardship of Pepe Mendoza, a respected figure in the Spanish wine scene, the winery is creating ripples of change in the Alicante wine world. This article offers a glimpse into the captivating journey of Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola and the wines that it crafts.

Also read: Javea’s Wine Culture: Vineyards and Bodegas to Visit

A Family Legacy, A New Beginning

The Mendoza name is synonymous with quality winemaking in Alicante, and Pepe Mendoza is no stranger to this legacy. Born into the family behind the renowned Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, Pepe was practically raised among the vineyards and wine cellars, with winemaking being a part of his DNA.

In 2016, after decades of contributing to his family’s winery, Pepe Mendoza decided to start his own venture – Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola. Joined by his wife Pepa Agulló and their children, this new project was not just a continuation of the Mendoza wine legacy but also a platform for Pepe to express his own winemaking philosophy.

Philosophy and Approach

Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola’s philosophy is centered on respect for the land and the use of indigenous grape varieties. The winery focuses on Monastrell, Moscatel de Alejandría, and Airen, growing them in the winery’s three vineyards located in the Alicante towns of El Campello, Villena, and Mutxamel.

The vineyards are cultivated following organic and biodynamic principles. There is a profound respect for the soil, the vines, and the unique microclimate of each plot. All grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring only the best quality clusters are used for their wines.

Moreover, Pepe Mendoza’s approach to winemaking is minimalist. He believes in allowing the grapes and the terroir to express themselves freely, with the winemaker acting as a mere facilitator. His wines, therefore, are a true representation of the vineyard’s essence and the Alicante terroir.

The Wines of Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola

Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola’s wine portfolio is a celebration of the Alicante terroir and its indigenous grape varieties.

The ‘Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Blanco’ is a blend of Moscatel de Alejandría, Airen, and Macabeo, offering fresh and aromatic nuances. Aged on its lees, the wine has complexity and a pleasing texture that complements the fruit-forward character.

The ‘Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola Tinto’ is a red wine that brings out the best of the Monastrell variety. Crafted from old vine Monastrell grown in the Villena vineyard, this wine showcases depth and complexity, with intense fruit expression and notable minerality.

A hallmark of the winery is the ‘Las Quebradas’ wine, made entirely from Monastrell grown in a single vineyard of the same name. It’s a testament to the variety’s potential and the unique terroir of the vineyard.

A Visit to Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola

Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola extends a warm welcome to wine enthusiasts looking to understand more about their wines. Visitors can tour the vineyards and the winery, getting an insight into Pepe Mendoza’s winemaking philosophy. The visit is completed with a wine tasting, providing an opportunity to sample the wonderful creations of the winery.

How to get to Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola from Javea

Embarking on a journey from the charming seaside town of Javea to Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola in El Campello can be as pleasurable as the destination itself. Here’s a guide on how to get there:

By Car:

Travelling by car is the most straightforward option, with the journey taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes, spanning about 80 kilometers.

1. Start from the heart of Javea, heading south on Carretera Cabo La Nao Pla towards Avinguda del Pla/CV-740.
2. Take a left turn onto Avinguda del Pla/CV-740 and continue to follow CV-740.
3. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Carrer de la Fontana/CV-734 heading to Gata de Gorgos/N-332. Continue to follow CV-734.
4. Once you reach Gata de Gorgos, take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto the N-332 ramp to Ondara/Valencia.
5. Merge onto N-332 and continue on this road for about 50 kilometers.
6. Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 687 for AP-7 towards Alicante/Murcia.
7. Continue onto AP-7 (toll road).
8. Take exit 676 towards El Campello/Sant Joan d’Alacant.
9. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for N-332/El Campello/CV-775 and merge onto Av. de Alcoi/CV-775.
10. Continue onto Av. del País Valenciano.
11. Turn left onto Calle de San Bartolomé.
12. Turn right onto Calle de San Francisco. Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola will be on the right.

By Public Transport:

Though less direct, it’s feasible to use public transport for this journey. It involves a combination of bus and tram rides, with the total travel time being about 2-3 hours depending on waiting times.

1. From Javea, take the ALSA bus heading towards Alicante. The bus station in Javea is located on Avenida del Pla.
2. Alight at Benidorm bus station.
3. From Benidorm, take the tram (Line 1) towards Luceros.
4. Alight at El Campello tram station.
5. From here, Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola is about a 15-minute walk. Head southeast on Carrer Sant Ramon towards Plaça Canalejas. Turn right onto Calle de San Bartolomé. Turn right again onto Calle de San Francisco where you’ll find the winery.

Whichever method of travel you choose, the journey from Javea to Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola is a scenic adventure that winds through the picturesque landscapes of the Costa Blanca, setting the perfect mood for the wine-tasting experience that awaits you.

Conclusion

Pepe Mendoza Casa Agrícola is a shining example of the potential and diversity of Alicante’s wine scene. Their commitment to traditional practices, coupled with a willingness to innovate, sets them apart in the landscape of Spanish wines. In the hands of Pepe Mendoza, the future of Alicante winemaking seems to be in good hands, ensuring that the region’s wine legacy will continue to thrive for years to come.