The Monastrell: one variety, five Denominations of Origin, and multiple nuances captivate palates at the XXIV Best Wines of Spain Exhibition.
Madrid, 18 November 2024 — The Monastrell Spain Association took centre stage at the XXIV Salón de los Mejores Vinos de España (Best Wines of Spain Exhibition), organized by the Guía Peñín at IFEMA Madrid, with an outstanding masterclass dedicated to the diversity of wines crafted from the Monastrell grape variety across its various regions. Led by esteemed independent sommelier, Luis Vida, the event attracted dozens of wine industry professionals, journalists, and influencers, who experienced how a single grape variety can express itself uniquely across the five Designations of Origin (DO) represented by the association: Alicante, Almansa, Bullas, Jumilla, and Yecla.
During the tasting, Vida highlighted the distinctive character of Monastrell, emphasizing how its flavor profile and structure are shaped by the specific terroirs where it is cultivated. Wines from Alicante, Almansa, Bullas, Jumilla, and Yecla showcased the breadth of this varietal’s potential: some exhibited marked freshness and fruitiness, while others stood out for their complexity and tannic depth. This masterclass offered attendees the opportunity to rediscover Monastrell and explore how its profile evolves in response to the unique conditions of each DO.
Luis Vida noted: “The climate in the southern Levante is ideal for Monastrell’s small-to-medium berries and clusters. Ninety-nine percent of its cultivation here is organic, declared or not, due to the adaptation benefits it offers in the face of global warming. It covers a extended ripening period into the autumn yields wines with well-integrated mature tannins and excellent acidity.”
The Monastrell Spain masterclass presented a curated selection of nine premium wines, each demonstrating the distinctive personality of Monastrell, shaped by its DO and the specific conditions of individual vineyards:
- Estrecho Monastrell 2022 (Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, DOP Alicante) – 94 points
This 100% Monastrell wine originates from the Estrecho de Pipa vineyard at an altitude of 700 metres. Alicante’s Monastrell revealed profound and elegant character, with notes of dried fruit and fine oak, imparted by ageing in centuries-old barrels, resulting in a wine of complexity and exceptional finesse. - Bruma del Estrecho Marín Parcela Vereda (Bodegas Viña Elena, DOP Jumilla) – 92 points
This Jumilla Monastrell, cultivated on gravelly soils, exemplifies the purity of the grape grown on ungrafted vines. It showcased fresh fruit aromas and a touch of salinity that balanced its natural acidity, delivering remarkable aromatic intensity. - Lavia Valle Venta del Pino 2021 (Bodegas Lavia, DOP Bullas) – 92 points
Bullas’ Monastrell was presented through this well-balanced wine, featuring spiced notes and refreshing vibrancy on the palate, embodying the freshness of the high-altitude vineyards of the Bullas region. - Trapío 2021 (Bodegas La Purísima, DOP Yecla) – 90 points
Yecla’s Monastrell offered a deep expression, with ripe fruit and round tannins that provided structure to the wine. Produced from ungrafted vines over 50 years old, it reflected the mineral character of Yecla’s soils and the strength of old vines. - Terraje 2021 Monastrell Pie Franco Ecológico (Parajes del Valle Bodegas y Viñedos, DOP Jumilla) – 93 points
This organic Monastrell expressed vibrant freshness and balsamic undertones that highlighted its ecological terroir. Made from ungrafted vines, this youthful wine revealed aromas of red and black fruits, complemented by subtle herbal notes evocative of the Jumilla landscape. - Ecológico Los Losares Monastrell 2020 (Bodegas Piqueras, DOP Almansa) – 91 points
In Almansa, Monastrell demonstrated an elegant and harmonious profile, marked by mineral freshness. Produced from 80-year-old high-altitude vineyards, its maturation in 5,000-litre vats preserved the essence of the varietal, achieving a delicate balance between freshness and maturity. - Gémina Finca La Cabra 2020 (Bodegas BSI, DOP Jumilla) – 93 points
An exceptional representation of Monastrell’s full potential, this wine comes from low-yield, ungrafted vines. It featured a robust structure, firm tannins, and remarkable intensity, embodying the essence of the Monastrell grape. - Triga 2020 (Bodegas Volver, DOP Alicante) – 93 points
This Alicante Monastrell offered a bold and enveloping experience, combining black fruit and a long finish that reflected the maturity of high-altitude vineyards. Blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, Triga 2020 demonstrated impeccable integration of fruit and oak, with a long, balsamic aftertaste. - Casa Cisca 2018 (Bodegas Castaño, DOP Yecla) – 93 points
With a brilliant garnet-red hue, Casa Cisca is a robust and well-structured Monastrell, presenting aromas of ripe red fruits and cocoa. The wine stood out for its balance and complexity. - Fondillón Luis XIV 25 años (Colección de Toneles Centenarios, DOP Alicante) – 97 points. A true gem of Alicante, this Fondillón astonished with its extraordinary complexity, featuring notes of dried fruits, cinnamon, and balsamic undertones. It exemplified Monastrell at its finest, aged in centuries-old barrels.
Vida concluded by affirming: “Monastrell is a grape capable of expressing a wide range of nuances. It reflects its terroir while maintaining a strong varietal identity. It balances the characteristics of ‘territory grapes’ and ‘personality grapes’, offering unique interpretations depending on where it is grown.”
Monastrell España: Promoting a Unique Grape in the Global Market
The Monastrell Spain Association is committed to positioning Monastrell as a benchmark in both domestic and international markets. With a mission to enhance the competitiveness of the wineries and viticulturists dedicated to this variety, the association actively participates in promotional programmes and collaborates with other wine industry entities.
The five DOs that comprise the association benefit from unique soil and climate conditions that enrich Monastrell’s character, enabling the varietal to offer an array of expressions. By participating in prestigious events such as the Salón de los Mejores Vinos, Monastrell España continues to elevate the quality and diversity of these wines, consolidating the reputation of Spanish wines on the global stage.
