2023 MONASTRELL

TRY ME IF YOU LOVE: Syrah / Cote du Rhone

ABV: 13.5%

GRAPES: 100% Monastrell

TASTING NOTES: A deep red-purple colour. In the nose a scent of blackberries, strawberries and cherries with a hint of balsamic. A full, powerful flavour with fresh, light acids and a long, spicy finish.

PAIRS WITH: Good as an aperitif, but also will work really well with lamb, or barbecue dishes.

SERVE ME: Room temperature.

One of Spain’s first certified organic producers back in 2002, this altitudinous farm (650-700m) in the Terres de Alforins has been in the hands of the Velázquez family since 1771. Vines have been grown here since the 13th century with bushvine Monastrell the mainstay to this day. Casa los Frailes has particularly old plots, dry farmed and more than 75-years-old. Yields are very low, and quality is very high. Longstanding traditions persist in the cellar too, with old clay amphorae and concrete tanks built by the Jesuits in the 17th & 18th centuries still in use.