Los Frailes 1771 Casa los Frailes 2022

Casa Los Frailes is one of the oldest wineries in Spain, run by the Velázquez family in the Vall dels Alforins in the southwest of Valencia. The 1771 bottling is a single-variety Monastrell, a thick-skinned, late-ripening grape that thrives in the warm, dry inland climate. The vineyards sit at altitude on poor limestone soils, and the cool nights that follow hot days extend the ripening period, giving the fruit depth while holding acidity. Organic farming keeps the soils alive and the yields modest, which concentrates the small black berries. After fermentation the wine spends twelve months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange through the wood softens Monastrell's naturally firm tannins and adds a layer of spice and toast. It pours a deep, dense red. The nose offers blackberry and plum with dried herbs, black pepper and a touch of leather. The palate is full bodied and structured, with ripe dark fruit, savoury herbal depth and a long, grippy finish framed by oak and liquorice. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It is built for roast and grilled meats and aged cheese.