Monastrell – If you enjoy red wine in this part of Spain, there is a good chance you have already come across Monastrell, even if the name itself is not yet familiar.
This dark-skinned grape variety has become one of the defining wines of Alicante and Murcia, thriving in the hot, dry conditions of the Mediterranean south east where many other grapes would struggle. In places such as Jumilla, Bullas and Alicante, old bush vines, some of them decades old, dig deep into poor, rocky soils to survive long summers with very little rainfall, producing wines with richness, character and a real sense of place.
For many years Monastrell was often overlooked internationally, but that has started to change. Increasingly, wine professionals, sommeliers and wine lovers in cities such as London and New York are beginning to take notice of the quality and individuality coming from this part of Spain. Today a new generation of winemakers is helping people rediscover what this grape can do, producing wines that range from powerful and full-bodied reds to fresher, more elegant styles that work beautifully with Mediterranean gastronomy.
One of the pleasures of exploring wine in this region is discovering how closely it connects to everyday life. A glass of Monastrell alongside grilled lamb, local cheeses or a rice dish tells you something about the climate, landscape and traditions of the area in a way few guidebooks ever could.
For readers living here on the Costa Blanca, some of Spain’s most exciting wine regions are not hundreds of miles away. In many cases, they are right on your doorstep. In the coming editions of this column, we will also be visiting some of the producers and winemakers helping to shape the modern story of Monastrell and Mediterranean wine culture.

Until next month, Cheers, Tony – www.senseexperiences.net