Viña Elena Bruma del Estrecho Finca CQ 2024

Bruma del Estrecho de Marín makes this Monastrell at the Casa Quemada estate, the source of the CQ initials, in the Término Arriba de Jumilla in Murcia. Jumilla is one of Spain's most varied wine zones, with limestone, sand, green marl and iron-rich, stony brown soils giving the wines their depth and savoury grip. The climate is hot and dry with cold nights, and that wide swing lets the late-ripening Monastrell reach full ripeness while keeping freshness and colour. Monastrell, the local name for Mourvèdre, is a thick-skinned grape that yields dark, structured, peppery reds. The wine spends seven months in French oak barrels and concrete tanks: the concrete holds the fruit fresh and primary at a steady temperature, while the barrel adds structure and a little spice through slow oxygen exchange, and malolactic fermentation softens the acidity. The colour is deep purple. The nose shows ripe plum and cherry, black pepper, liquorice, thyme and a clear earthy, mineral note from the soils. The palate is full bodied and warming, with firm but ripe tannins and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled red meats, lamb and roasted vegetables.