Enrique Mendoza Estrecho Monastrell 2022

Estrecho is a Monastrell red from Bodegas Enrique Mendoza in D.O. Alicante, a producer that farms its vineyards without pesticides, weedkillers or chemical inputs and controls water stress with sensors in the vineyard. Monastrell is a late-ripening, thick-skinned variety suited to the hot, dry inland climate of Alicante, where intense summer heat and cool nights drive deep colour, ripe tannin and high sugar while the diurnal swing holds enough acidity for balance. The grapes come from low-yielding vines, which concentrate flavour in the berries. The wine ages fourteen months in French oak barrels, a longer pass that polishes the firm Monastrell tannins through slow oxygen exchange and layers in spice, vanilla and a fine smoky note. The colour is deep, near-opaque ruby. The nose shows concentrated plum and black cherry over black pepper, liquorice and toasted oak. The palate is full and structured at 14 percent, with substantial but ripe tannins and a long, savoury finish carrying a herbal Mediterranean edge. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant a young bottle. It pairs with grilled and roasted red meats and game.