If you’ve been following my articles in the series about Monastrell (and I know you have!), you’re already able to list ten interesting facts!  We’ve traveled to Yecla, Jumilla, and Bullas.  You’ve read wine reviews, learned recipes for tapas which are from the region, “met” one of the winemakers, and have discovered the nuances in winemaking and philosophies of several wineries I visited.  To be honest, none of us want to be walking, talking dictionary of grape trivia…because we don’t want our friends to flee from the room in terror!  But identifying a few key items may help you be more knowledgeable when you ask for a bottle at a wine shop, when a friend asks you for a recommendation, when you look at a wine list at a restaurant, or just for your own personal knowledge.  Hey, wine education is a “grape experience”! But alas, our virtual journey to the Region of Murcia which began August 1 is coming to an end!

On Wednesday, September 25 at 6pm Pacific/8pm Central I will be participating in #winechat on Twitter.  Please join me along with Tina Morey from Protocol Wine Studio and others to learn more about this interesting grape, compare tasting notes, and just have a friendly wine banter!  Trust me, this hour long #winechat is great fun and I love reading others’ perspectives!  Find a bottle of Monastrell at your local wine shop and join us on twitter using the hashtag #winechat on Wednesday while we swirl, sip, and savor one of my new favorite red wines!

Monastrell:  What You May Want to Know ~

1.  The Region of Murcia is the main producer of this variety with 52% Monastrell grapes grown.  It’s the fourth most planted wine variety in Spain.  I know, I know, there are two facts here!!

2.  Yecla, Jumilla, and Bullas are the three Designated Origin wine areas in the Region of Murcia and have varying topographies which include plains, desert like lowlands, and mountain ranges.

3.  In the region, the sun shines 320 days a year – there is very little rain.

4.  Monastrell, a red variety with small compact bunches, is well adapted to the harsh, arid conditions of the Murcia’s drylands.

5.  In general, Monastrell exhibits aromas of blackberries and other dark fruit, will offer a burst of more fruit, full body, strong tannins, structure and high alcohol after that first sip.

6.  The variety of soils in which Monastrell is grown are chalky, sandy, limestone, gravelly, stony.  This is perfect to retain what little moisture there is and deflect the searing heat of the day.

7.  Monastrell vines are impervious to botrytis bunch rot.

8.  Monastrell is deeply colored, full bodied, and can range from young (joven), crianza, reserve, naturally sweet, fortified, and sparkling wines.  And let’s not forget the fresh Rose wines!

9.  Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot are often used in Monastrell blends.

10. Monastrell is a wine which I hope you have learned to enjoy and appreciate!

Thank you for joining me on this virtual journey to the Region of Murcia!  For more information, follow the links below~ I look forward to tweeting with you on Wednesday during #winechat!

Cheers~ Cindy

Monastrell grapes on the vine in June

Monastrell on the vine during my trip to the Region of Murcia in June~

You’re Invited – A Virtual Wine Journey to Spain’s Region of Murcia, Home of Monastrell

Tasted for the Very First Time – Monastrell in D.O. Yecla

Wine for Your Weekend with Murcian Salad Canape

Lunch at Bodegas Castaño: (Quickly) Easing into the Spanish Lifestyle

Wine for Your Weekend with Goats Cheese Roll with Fig Jam

Wine for Your Weekend with Manchego Cheese and…

Jumilla and Monastrell – The Tradition Continues at Bodegas Juan Gil

Wine for Your Weekend with Spanish Omelette

Elena Selva Olivares – Rooted in Family and Wine (and someone who thinks like me!)

Wine for Your Weekend with Cauliflower Fritters

Wines from Bodegas Olivares – A Few of My Favorites

Appreciating Something Special and Unique at Bodegas Carchelo

Wine for Your Weekend with Stuffed Peppers with Rice

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2 comments

  1. La Purísima Winery is in the northeast of Murcia.

    The climate in the area is continental with Mediterranean influences, which means long hot summers and shorter cold winters, and not much rain overall. This climate is the origin of our wines. Wines with character, colour and intense flavour.

    Monastrell is the variety which is best suited to our land, as it can grow in poor, arid soils, and is resistant to hot, dry summers. Other varieties such as Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo and Syrah are also cultivated.

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