Club Vinissimus Selection February 2022

Monastrell, the Lady of Levante

The Monastrell variety, also known as Garrut, Mourvèdre or Mataró, is said to get its name from an adaptation of the word 'monastery' as they were probably the first places it was used to make great wines. A different theory places its origins in Sagunto, in the Valencia region, as the town was originally called Morvedre. Alternatively, one of its other names might be a clue to possible origins in the Catalan town of Mataro. Whatever the truth, the fact is that Spain is currently the world's largest producer of Monastrell and the Murcia, Valencia and La Mancha appellations in the south-eastern Levante region are home to most of the great Monastrell wines.

Vigorous vines produce cone-shaped bunches of thick-skinned, round, and dark blueish grapes which are sweet, soft and juicy. The plants' shoots are long and straight. They bud relatively late, avoiding frosty spring nights, and the fruit can ripen as late as October. In fact, the day-night temperature differences at the end of September help the grapes gain in complexity and fineness. Monastrell resists high temperatures well but also does better when near the sea. As experienced winemakers often say, it is a variety that wants to face the sun while standing in the water, making it an ideal variety for the clay soils and Mediterranean climate enjoyed by the region.

Monastrell wines have a good structure, colour and complexity, and age elegantly. The plants thrive with poor soils and scarce but well-distributed rainfall to produce small but concentrated grapes. Principal aromas of dark fruit (blackberries and redcurrants) turn to fragrances of black olives and figs, the riper the grapes are harvested. Notes of cocoa, cherries, spices and dry herbs are also present. The wines are wide and round in the mouth if they have spent enough time in the bottle. Salinity and soothing herbal hints also appear in a blend of roughness and sweetness — all in all, they are wonderful wines which leave no doubt as to why Monastrell is known the Lady of Levante.