Blue Label Monastrell, Juan Gil
Spain – 2018
15.5% ABV
Tasting Note: Earthy, spicy Monastrell (elswhere known as Mourvèdre) from old vines, offering a mouthful of black fruit, a persistent perfume of earth and spice and a tangy touch of balsamic.
Food Matching: A great match with roast chicken, grilled fish and slow-cooked red meats. Enjoy with soft and medium strength cheeses too!
Vineyard: Since 1916, when Juan Gil Jiménez built the winery, one clear idea has motivated every generation since to achieve the critical claim we see today: being proud of your work and doing a good job! Aside from the extensive family history, the big change came in 2003 when Miguel Gil built a new, state of the art winery among the highest vineyards of the DO. The idea was clear, to ensure the great quality fruit arrived quickly and at peak quality into the winery. Juan Gil vineyards are maintained as sustainably and with as much respect for the local ecosystem as possible. For this reason, Juan Gil have invested a lot of money into generating their own power and water and as such are now completely "off-grid". This particular vineyard is located on gentle slopes at 700 metres altitude in the valley of La Aragona, north of Jumilla. The soils are chalky, the climate warm, and the many hours of sunshine form the perfect microclimate to produce the grapes for this style of wine.
Vinification: Predominantly made from very old Monastrell (60%) grapes (some 75 year old vines!) grown at an altitude of 700 metres with very low yields and the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Syrah (10%). Maceration and fermentation takes place in small, stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature. Further aging of around 18 months takes place in a careful selection of the best French and American new oak barriques