Do you enjoy luscious, fruit-forward red wines with plenty of spicy character. If so, you must try a bottle of Monastrell. Monastrell is the Spanish name for the grape from France known as Mourvedre. This grape is grown all over the world and has a particular affinity for warmer climates. It is planted extensively in France's Rhone Valley and in the Jumilla region of Spain. The grape, at its best, displays black fruit flavors with hints of leather and spice.
We recently picked up a bottle of 2007 Castano Monastrell Yecla at a local wine shop. Being big fans of Spanish wine, we are always up for trying the latest bottles to hit the wine shops. This one, at ten dollars a bottle turned out to be an incredible steal.
The Castano Monastrell has plush aromas of jam and spice. The wine hits the palate with an intense rush of ripe blackberries and notes of cinnamon. The tannins in this wine are remarkably tame for its age. We would be perfectly happy to sip this smooth wine on its own, but it is even better with food to bring out its earthy qualities. You could easily pair this wine with slow-cooked barbecue or even pizza.
This Monastrell is yet another example of why trying new and unusual wines can be so rewarding. The next time you stop by your favorite wine shop, take a risk and try something "off the beaten path". You might just discover your new favorite wine.
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