Altos de Luzón 2023

Bodegas Luzón makes Altos de Luzón in D.O. Jumilla, in Murcia, from estate Monastrell grown at around 650 metres above sea level. The altitude matters in this hot, arid corner of southeast Spain, as the cooler nights it brings preserve acidity and keep the fruit from cooking, which Monastrell, a late-ripening, sun-loving grape, badly needs. Harvest is by hand, and the fruit passes over a selection table so only the best bunches reach the cellar. The grapes ferment and then macerate on the skins for more than two weeks at controlled temperature, a long contact that pulls deep colour and the firm tannins characteristic of the variety. The wine is then aged for twelve months in French and American oak, which tames the tannin through slow oxygen exchange and layers in vanilla, spice and chocolate. The colour is dense, near-opaque ruby. The nose shows ripe plum and black cherry over black pepper, liquorice and dark chocolate. The palate is full bodied and powerful, with substantial but ripe tannins and a long, warming finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting if young. It suits grilled red meat and game.