Monastrell Spain Shines at the Best UK Sommelier 2024 A Successful Tasting in London On Monday, 24th June, the Monastrell Spain Association stood out at the prestigious event “Best UK Sommelier – Villa Sandi Award, Graduation Ceremony and Walkaround Tasting 2024“, which annually selects and awards the best sommelier in the United Kingdom. Held at the iconic HABERDASHERS’ HALL in London, this event brought
together numerous professionals from the wine sector, including sommeliers, educators, importers, buyers, and media. The participation of the Monastrell Spain Association was a unique opportunity to promote and further expand the knowledge of the Monastrell variety in the United Kingdom.
Masterclass “A Taste Of Sunshine”
One of the highlights of the day was the Monastrell Masterclass, under our characteristic slogan “A Taste Of Sunshine”. Held from 12:30 pm to 13:15 pm, this educational session allowed attendees to explore the unique characteristics of Monastrell wines and their 5 Designations of Origin: Alicante, Almansa, Bullas, Jumilla, and Yecla.
The wines presented in this session included:
- Tragolargo 2022, Casa Balaguer, DO Alicante
- Cueva del Chamán 2022, Santa Cruz de Alpera, DO Almansa
- Finca El Olmillo Monastrell 2021, Finca El Olmillo, DO Jumilla
- Finca Monastasia Pie Franco 2021, Finca Monastasia, DO Jumilla
- Gémina Cuvée Selección 2020, Bodegas BSI, DO Jumilla
- Fuego Lento Secano Extremo 2020, Bodega Fuego Lento, DO Alicante
- Trapío 2020, Bodegas La Purísima, DO Yecla
- Valché 2020, Bodega Monastrell, DO Bullas
The masterclass was conducted by Wine Educator, Allison Burton-Parker, Director of Education at the Academie du Vin Library. Burton-Parker impressed attendees with her reviews and appreciation of the Monastrell variety, highlighting its versatility and quality through a detailed tasting of the 8 red wines presented.
Walkaround Tasting: Discovering the Diversity of Monastrell
The event continued with a Walkaround Tasting, where attendees had the opportunity to sample a wide variety of Monastrell wines. This tasting format allowed industry professionals to familiarize themselves with the diversity and quality of our wines. The Monastrell Spain table was one of the main attractions, presenting 11 wines, including:
- Bruma del Estrecho de Marín Parcela Particiones 2023, Bodegas Viña Elena, DOJumilla
- Vergel Rosé 2022, Bodegas Pinoso, DO Alicante
- Xenysel Organic 2023, Bodegas Xenysel, DO Jumilla
- Casa del Capitán Monastrell 2022, Señorío de Barahonda, DO Yecla
- Cueva del Chamán 2022, Santa Cruz de Alpera, DO Almansa
- Finca Xaconero 2021, Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, DO Alicante
- Terraje 2021, Parajes del Valle Bodegas y Viñedos, DO Jumilla
- Tarima Hill 2021, Bodegas Volver, DO Alicante
- Valché 2020, Bodega Monastrell, DO Bullas
- Alma de Luzón 2020, Bodegas Luzón, DO Jumilla
- Castaño Colección 2018, Bodegas Castaño, DO Yecla
The constant influx of industry professionals to our tasting table demonstrated the strong recognition and appreciation that Monastrell wines continue to have in the UK market.
Zona Zepa 2019: The Outstanding Wine of the Competition
In the final of the competition, the wine Zona Zepa 2019 from DO Yecla was revealed,
one of the wines blind-tasted by the contestants aspiring to be the best sommelier in the UK. This 100% Monastrell wine was selected for its excellent quality, standing out among participants for its purity and sophistication
United Kingdom: A Growing Market for Monastrell
Participation in this event not only allowed the promotion of our wines but also reaffirmed the position of the Monastrell grape in the UK market. With a long history in this market, Monastrell wines continue to be highly valued and appreciated for their quality and versatility, standing out as an excellent option within Mediterranean wines.
The Monastrell Spain Association will continue to work towards achieving greater visibility and recognition of the Monastrell wines, as well as creating valuable commercial opportunities in the UK.
See you again in October!
