Luzón Verdecillo 2024

Luzón Verdecillo is a single-variety Monastrell made organically by Bodegas Luzón in the D.O. Jumilla, a Murcian region the winery has helped define with native Monastrell. The fruit comes from old bush-trained vines, between thirty-five and fifty years old, planted on the dry, limestone-rich soils of the high Jumilla plateau. The hot, arid Mediterranean climate, tempered by altitude and cool nights, ripens the thick-skinned, late Monastrell fully, giving deep colour and ripe fruit at 14 per cent alcohol while the diurnal swing keeps some freshness. This is a young wine made without oak, so the fruit is bright and direct and the tannins are soft rather than structured. The colour is a deep, youthful purple-red. The nose is vibrant, with raspberry and cherry over ripe plum, a touch of black pepper and a warm, herbal garrigue note. The palate is medium to full bodied, juicy and rounded, with ripe soft tannin, fresh acidity and a warm, peppery finish. Serve at 15 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled meats, stews and tomato-based dishes.