Monastrell Spain: Consolidating Its Position in the United Kingdom

The Drinks Business - 13th Oct Manchester

On 13 October, a masterclass was held in Manchester, led by Patrick Schmitt MW, Editor-in-Chief of The Drinks Business, aimed at showcasing the richness and diversity of the Monastrell grape variety and ultimately answering the question: why is now the time to talk about Monastrell?

The event provided the British wine trade with the opportunity to experience wines from the five regions that make up Monastrell Spain: Alicante, Almansa, Bullas, Jumilla, and Yecla.

The gathering brought together importers, distributors, sommeliers, and specialist journalists, who unanimously highlighted the value of Monastrell as a grape variety with a strong identity and a millennia-old history, setting it apart in the international wine landscape.

During the session, Schmitt described Monastrell as a grape “with deeply Mediterranean roots, capable of producing wines that express their origin uniquely and possess a personality that is difficult to match.” He also noted that the earliest written references to the variety date back to the 14th century and emphasized its “great ability to reflect the character of the terroir and the climate in which it is grown.”

Attendees praised the balance between tradition and modernity offered by the DDOOs (Denominations of Origin) and, consequently, by the wineries of Monastrell Spain, highlighting the combination of traditional techniques with sustainable practices and a clear commitment to quality. The role of ungrafted old-vine vineyards, some over a century old, was also emphasized as a viticultural heritage to be preserved.

Masterclass de vinos monastrell en manchester
Carta de la masterclass The Drinks Business
During the session, participants had the chance to discover both wines from centennial ungrafted vineyards and the latest organic releases, experiencing the quality and character of this ancestral variety. The response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive, with particular appreciation for the commercial potential, authentic flavour, and diversity of the Monastrell wines presented.

Delving into Monastrell

The Manchester masterclass aimed to introduce the UK wine trade to the Monastrell grape, its wines, and its commercial potential. According to Schmitt, Monastrell is a variety “noted for its quality, but not for its fame,” and he argued that it deserves “greater recognition and prominence.”

vinos monastrell en Manchester
visitantes a la masterclass the drink business

During the masterclass, 11 wines from the five regions of Monastrell Spain were presented, offering the sector in Manchester the opportunity to explore this ancient grape. Highlights among the wines tasted included:

Wines Presented During the Masterclass:

  • Jumilla –Marzas Pie Franco, Bodegas Delampa, 2024, Red
  • Yecla –La Purísima Monastrell, La Purísima, 2024, Red
  • Alicante –Viña Guerán, Casa Balaguer, 2023, Red
  • Alicante –Pinoso Clásico, Bodegas Pinoso, 2022, Red
  • Jumilla –Alceño 12 Old Vines Monastrell Organic, Bodegas Alceño, 2022, Red
  • Yecla –Barahonda Summum Organic, Barahonda, 2022, Red
  • Almansa –Cañada del Soto Crianza, Bodegas Cano, 2021, Red
  • Alicante –Laudum XII Plus, Bocopa, 2020, Red
  • Jumilla –Sabatacha Crianza, Bodegas BSI, 2020, Red
  • Bullas –88 Teclas, Bodegas Hydria, 2018, Red
  • Jumilla –Lacrima Christi, Bodegas BSI, (Sweet) 

Next Initiative in the United Kingdom

In this context, Monastrell Spain will be present at The Big Christmas Wine Fest – London, on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 November 2025, at The Lindley Hall, Elverton St, SW1P 2PB. The programme includes three tasting sessions and a full stand featuring 14 wines from its five denominations of origin. Additionally, pop-up tastings will be led by Oz Clarke, presenting six different wines in 15-minute sessions, offering another opportunity to discover the richness of Monastrell.

  • Friday 21 November:First session, 18:00–21:00
  • Saturday 22 November:Second session, 13:00–16:00; break 16:00–17:00; third session, 17:00–20:00

Monastrell Spain will feature a full stand with 14 wines across Jumilla, Alicante, Yecla, Bullas, and Almansa, including pop-up tastings led by Oz Clarke showcasing six different wines in 15-minute sessions.

Highlighted Wines Include:

  1. Time Waits For No One Double Skull, 2024– EGO Bodegas – fincabacara.com – Jumilla
  2. Bruma del Estrecho de Marín, 2024– Viña Elena – vinaelena.com – Jumilla
  3. Camarillas, 2022– Bodegas Pinoso – bodegaspinoso.com– Alicante
  4. La Purísima Monastrell, 2024– La Purísima – bodegaslapurisima.com– Yecla
  5. Valché, 2020– Bodega Monastrell – bodegamonastrell.com – Bullas
  6. Cueva del Chamán Roble Monastrell, 2023– Santa Cruz de Alpera – bodegasantacruz.com – Almansa

See you there! Please ensure you register to attend: Wine Alive – London Events

See you there! Please, do not forget to register to attend: https://wine-alive.com/wine-tasting-events/wine-festivals/london-events/?fbclid=PAT01DUANsXApleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp3_RExpouS7u8Z0bkezMXRfnHZV3GCKAFMAJL291XCYbHJeHro6_Zuq0eYUh_aem_x4J20NRamAydTJHNnoyYWw