The value coming out of that region in Spain is crazy, isn't it? We had a GSM blend from Jumilla at Christmas, which we tasted blind against a Southern Rhone GSM. Everyone got them the wrong way round (if that makes sense) and we were all blown away by the price: only €9.99 a bottle!!!
You will find it planted a little but in southern Portugal and they call it Mataro as well- but there are better native grapes that are more suited to the climates in Portugal.
There are some amazing Monastrell wines in the Murcia region; it's the dominant grape and many use it alone but there are some beautiful complex blends. Powerful, juicy reds are the mainstay, with some even at 16%!
A huge amount never make it to the UK and the biggest choice is of course in the region itself. Look out for Bodegas Xenysel, Finca Luzon, de Nariz, Viña Elena, etc and of course the mighty Juan Gil. There are some interesting small vineyards doing great things with interesting stories too, (Bodega Tinaha is a notable one, among others) I love it!
Thanks so much for these suggestions! I couldn't get into Finca Luzon - I really wanted to visit them too! And I loved visiting Juan Gil! I will look out for the other producers above - thanks again DS!
The value coming out of that region in Spain is crazy, isn't it? We had a GSM blend from Jumilla at Christmas, which we tasted blind against a Southern Rhone GSM. Everyone got them the wrong way round (if that makes sense) and we were all blown away by the price: only €9.99 a bottle!!!
Yes! Now I want to find a GSM blend from Jumilla! I have seen one on the market here! Seek and you shall find!
I think this is the one we had although I ordered it from a Belgian website at the time: https://gilfamily.us/wineries/honoro-vera/honoro-vera-red-blend.html (it was called the Irrevent Blend in any case!)
Great! I will try to find it as we do gave some Gil Wines here (in Canada!) Thanks for taking the time to comment and incl the link!
Monastrell considering where it is coming from
One of my favorites, no matter what you call it!
Exactly! Me too!
Such a great grape. Loved the article.
Yup! I love how it has its own identity depending on where it is grown... More than other grapes.
Thanks Kate - surprising it never it west across the border into Portugal!!!
You will find it planted a little but in southern Portugal and they call it Mataro as well- but there are better native grapes that are more suited to the climates in Portugal.
Super cool!
There are some amazing Monastrell wines in the Murcia region; it's the dominant grape and many use it alone but there are some beautiful complex blends. Powerful, juicy reds are the mainstay, with some even at 16%!
A huge amount never make it to the UK and the biggest choice is of course in the region itself. Look out for Bodegas Xenysel, Finca Luzon, de Nariz, Viña Elena, etc and of course the mighty Juan Gil. There are some interesting small vineyards doing great things with interesting stories too, (Bodega Tinaha is a notable one, among others) I love it!
Thanks so much for these suggestions! I couldn't get into Finca Luzon - I really wanted to visit them too! And I loved visiting Juan Gil! I will look out for the other producers above - thanks again DS!