Barahonda Monastrell 2024

Barahonda Monastrell is a red from the D.O. Yecla in Murcia, made by Barahonda chiefly from Monastrell with a little Syrah. The winery farms over one hundred and fifty hectares and oversees several hundred more, selecting fruit for this wine from its best sites. Yecla is a warm, dry inland region whose high plateau, poor limestone soils and long hours of sun ripen the late maturing Monastrell fully, giving deep colour, ripe fruit and generous alcohol, while the altitude tempers the heat at night and keeps the fruit fresh. This is a young red made without oak ageing, so the focus stays on primary fruit and the natural breadth of the grape. It is bright and deep in the glass, with ripe strawberry, cherry and plum, a touch of liquorice and a peppery, herbal edge from the warm climate. The palate is juicy and full of life, full bodied but supple, with soft tannins and a warm finish. The lack of oak makes it an easy, versatile red to drink young. Serve at sixteen degrees, lightly cooled in summer. It suits grilled meat, sausages and tomato based dishes.