Barahonda HC Monastrell 2023

Barahonda HC Monastrell is a single-variety Monastrell from D.O. Yecla in Murcia, made by the Barahonda winery from vines on limestone-rich soils. Monastrell is well suited to this hot, dry inland region, where long sunshine and limestone bedrock give deep colour, ripe tannin and natural alcohol around 15 percent. The grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel between 20 and 25 degrees to keep the fruit clean and bright, then put through malolactic fermentation in French oak, where the conversion of sharper malic acid to softer lactic acid rounds the texture. The wine ages at least twelve months in the same barrels, gaining vanilla, spice and a fine toast through slow oxygen exchange. The colour is deep, dark ruby. The nose shows ripe cherry and blackberry, black pepper and liquorice over a savoury, earthy base. The palate is full bodied and warming, with firm but ripe tannin and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted if young. It pairs with roast lamb, grilled beef and aged cheese.