Your cart is currently empty!
GRAPE VARIETIES: Monastrell (100%)
LOCATION: Villena, Alicante, SP
ABOUT: This entire estate is farmed biodynamically. Winemakers Andres and Marta, who have been fascinated by biodynamic principles and methods since they started producing wines in 2008, are now in the third and final year of the Demeter certification process, which they expect to complete by the end of this year. They use their own preparation 501, Maria Thun preparation, and treat the wines with horse-tail, nettles, and chamomile (manzanilla) preparations. Every step in the winery—from pruning, fertilizing, and harvesting to bottling—is aligned with the biodynamic calendar.
This wine is 100% Monastrell, sourced from vineyards at 750 meters above sea level. These vineyards are slightly inland but still close to the water, as Alicante is a coastal town. The vines grow in alluvial, stony soils, protected by mountains to the north and south while still getting a slight Mediterranean breeze. The fruit is hand-harvested, destemmed, and lightly crushed. It undergoes a brief 3-4 hour maceration on the skins. The must is then pressed and transferred into amphora (of various sizes), where it spontaneously ferments without temperature control. The wine is aged for 5 months in amphora without racking.
Spain has a long history of crafting amphora, also known as tinajas, and aging wine in these vessels. Amphora’s porous clay surface allows for micro-oxidization similar to oak aging, without imparting any additional flavor. This wine is truly remarkable—saline, and slightly bitter, with the body and dark fruit typical of the Monastrell grape (also known as Mourvèdre). While lighter than a typical Monastrell rosé, the amphora aging adds an extra softness and depth that makes it spectacular.
FURTHER READING: Monné, Toni, and Ana Torróntegui Salazar. Valencian Gastronomy and Cuisine: Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante.
Related products
-
Fins Als Kullons 2023
$35.00
