Saturday, April 02, 2005

Monastrell Serendipity

That old image of Murcia vines from southeastern Spain being robust, harsh and with high alcohol content is now history. Nowadays, the different denominators of origin (D.O.) in this region bet on the fruitness and potent aromas of their famous young vines and the proper cask assembly of their aged wines.

Thanks to the new production system and changes in harvesting methods, some great wines are now being obtained in D.O. Jumilla, in which the Monastrell variety is showing off its great potential. The Monastrell grape requires a hot climate to ripen. The grape is capable of producing high-alcohol wines with a high level of tannin.

Today's Monastrell choice was an Altos De La Hoya, 2003. The wine's tannin was well balanced with its acids. It is palatable, with an opulent body and an intense sweetness with dried plums.

Monastrell has an outdated reputation of being uncapable of producing world-class wines. Hence, Monastrell wines are still underrated. E.g, the Altos De La Hoya is available at the renowned Baur Au Lac Wein for only CHF 15.00 (www.bauraulacwein.ch).

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