What the heck try some Hécula Monastrell from the Yecla region of Spain! It’s organic!
Monastrell is the Spanish name for Mourvèdre.
The grapes were grown at an altitude of 750 m in limestone soil. It has resided 6 months in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels.
Aroma: Raspberry galore. Black cherry and plum. Sharp, clean and vibrant.
Palate: Solid. Close to full bodied. Dry. A perfect coexistence of tannins and acids. Runs hot. Raspberry, black cherry with the tiniest hint of 100% dark chocolate.
Personality: I have loads of raspberry in my character. Not to overextend my profile but Pinot Noir drinkers might find me intriguing due to this raspberry. I am not going to say I am a Pinot Noir on steroids but I rather enjoy the cheeky comparison and you didn’t hear it from me.
Cellarbility: Don’t push your luck past 2026.
Food Match: The hot flow and peppery finish just might deserve spicy food. The winery suggests pair with lamb, meat stews, grilled meats and spicy food. I will try this with pork ribs marinated with a spicy peach BBQ sauce (with hot peppers just ready from my garden) which calls for a good shot of bourbon which most of us patriotic Canadians have rejected due to the aggressive Canada insulting carnival barking of the Orange Toad. I will substitute a maple infused Canadian whisky instead. When the going gets tough the tough get going!
Price: $15 CDN. Spanish wines continue to be a “bargain” in Canada on a quality to price ratio.
RKS 2025 Wine Rating: 91/100. Wine Enthusiast 90.
(Hécula Monastrell 2022, Yecla DOP, Bodegas Castaño, Murcia, Spain, 750 mL, 14.5%).
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