On May 20th, at the iconic Olympia London venue, Monastrell Spain achieved a new milestone in the international promotion of Spanish wine through the successful masterclass “Monastrell Spain – A Taste of Sunshine”. The session formed part of the official programme of the London Wine Fair 2025, one of Europe’s most influential wine trade events and a strategic platform for the UK market.
Led by the esteemed Master of Wine, Sarah Jane Evans, the event generated resounding interest, filling The Education Zone to capacity with an enthusiastic audience comprising sommeliers, importers, distributors, and members of the specialist press. Evans explored the rich oenological potential of Monastrell, affirming it as a grape variety garnering increasing attention due to its authenticity, versatility, and strong Mediterranean identity.
The atmosphere was one of palpable enthusiasm from the outset. The technical questions posed and the exchange of insights reflected a genuine interest both commercially and culturally. Evans guided attendees through a sensory journey that highlighted the uniqueness of Monastrell as a true ambassador of wines from south-eastern Spain.
The tasting featured eight exceptional wines from five different designations of origin — Alicante, Almansa, Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla — offering a faithful representation of the stylistic diversity and rich terroir that characterise this ancestral variety:
- La Servil 2023– Bodegas Cerrón Stratum Wines (DO Jumilla)
- Bruma del Estrecho de Marín, Finca CQ 2023– Bodegas Viña Elena (DO Jumilla)
- Estratos 2023– Bodegas del Rosario (DO Bullas)
- Hécula Organic 2022– Bodegas Castaño (DO Yecla)
- Estrecho Monastrell 2022– Enrique Mendoza (DO Alicante)
- Los Losares Monastrell 2021– Bodegas Piqueras (DO Almansa)
- Laudum XII Plus 2020– Bodegas Bocopa (DO Alicante)
- Olivares Dulce Monastrell 2020– Bodegas Olivares (DO Jumilla)
Each wine provided a distinctive interpretation of Monastrell — from fresh, fruit-driven expressions to more complex and structured styles, including sweet wines of unmistakable character. This diversity made a lasting impression on attendees, who praised both the quality of the wines and the grape’s remarkable adaptability to various winemaking philosophies and styles.
Through this initiative, Monastrell Spain reaffirms its commitment to internationalisation and consolidates its presence in one of the key markets for Spanish wine. “A Taste of Sunshine” not only showcased the potential of Monastrell, but also highlighted the dynamism, innovation, and viticultural heritage of south-eastern Spain to a global audience.
One tasting, eight wines, and a single, undisputed protagonist: Monastrell — a variety that continues to win over palates and write new chapters in its ongoing story.
