Castillo de la Peña, Syrah Monastrell, Shiraz, Jumilla, 2018 Christmas Wine Gift

A relatively young Denominación de Origen, D.O. Jumilla was only established as an official wine-growing region in 1996. Since that time it has gone through various regulatory changes, although the biggest single impact on the quality of the region’s wines came a few years earlier, following the phylloxera attack of 1989. After much of the region`s winelands were obliterated, many vineyards were replanted to produce lighter, more approachable Monastrell wines, suitable for a more international palate.

Made with grapes from 110 year old Monastrell vines (known as Mourvedre in France), this wine is a deep ruby in colour with a pronounced nose of ripe black fruits. The palate is soft and velvety with hints of mocha, vanilla and blackberries. Supple tannins add structure to the wine which finishes long and refined.