This small winery is owned by Abel Mendoza (vine growing) and Maite Fernández (winemaking), a husband and wife team based in San Vicente de la Sonsierra. Their wines are among the most interesting, rare and sought-after in Rioja, in part due to their aversion to all things related to wine guides, events and media. They are the equivalent of those Burgundian vignerons who lovingly tend their vines to create personal wines which are faithful expressions of terroir.

Established in 1988, the winery owns 17 hectares of organic vines in San Vicente and adjoining villages. Jarrarte was the initial brand, but it is now reserved for the young wines. High end bottlings are sold under the Abel Mendoza name.

Their white wines are particularly interesting. They are all fermented and raised in French oak for five months. Abel Mendoza Malvasía has citrus and fine smoked notes, good volume in the palate and a pleasant combination of sweet and acid nuances. The Orange Malvasia adds extra aromatic intensity and some tannin. The Viura is among the best single-varietal bottlings of the grape.

Tempranillo forms the basis of most of Abel Mendoza's reds. Jarrarte Old Vines, aged in oak for 12 months, is all about fresh fruit and liveliness on the palate. The best Tempranillo plot is selected each vintage to make Abel Mendoza Selección Personal. A selection of grapes from different plots are destemmed by hand and used for Tempranillo Grano a Grano, a red wine with great depth, polished tannins and round texture. Graciano Grano a Grano brings on the vibrant acidity of this variety.