Casa de la Ermita Crianza 2022

Casa de la Ermita Crianza is a red wine from D.O. Jumilla, made by Casa de la Ermita from vineyards high in the El Carche mountains of Murcia at around 700 metres altitude, among the highest in the region. It blends Monastrell, the local mainstay, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The altitude is decisive in this hot, dry corner of the southeast, cooling the nights and lengthening the growing season so the late-ripening Monastrell can reach maturity while holding acidity. Low rainfall and rocky, poor soils keep yields down and concentrate the dark fruit. The wine is aged for nine months in French and American oak barrels, which soften its naturally chewy tannins and add vanilla and a savoury edge of spice. It pours a deep ruby and shows stewed black fruit, liquorice and a note of Mediterranean scrubland herb, the wild thyme and rosemary that mark warm-climate Monastrell. The palate is warm and full, with ripe tannins, dark plum and a peppery, herb-tinged finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees; it suits grilled meat and rich, slow-cooked dishes.