Barahonda Casa del Capitán Monastrell 2022

Barahonda draw this wine from D.O. Yecla in southeastern Spain, a region so suited to Monastrell that it is called the kingdom of the grape. Some Yecla vineyards still hold pie franco vines, planted on their own ungrafted roots and more than a hundred years old, having survived the phylloxera that cleared most of Spain. Monastrell needs heat and a long season to ripen, and the dry continental climate here delivers both, giving deep colour, firm tannin and dark fruit. The wine is made in a youthful style and aged seven months in oak barrels, enough to round the structure through slow oxygen exchange and add a light spice without masking the fruit. The result is a deep red with aromas of ripe plum and dark berries, black pepper, scrub herbs and a stony, earthy note. The palate is fresh and lively for its weight, with grippy tannins and good acidity. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It is built for grilled and roasted red meats and hearty stews.