Honoro Vera Monastrell (75cl, 14.5%)

A 100% organic Monastrell red wine from D.O. Jumilla, Spain, produced by Bodegas Juan Gil and bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The grapes grow on limestone soils under extreme arid conditions, without irrigation, giving naturally low yields and intensely concentrated fruit. The wine is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, undergoes malolactic fermentation in tank, and receives no oak ageing. The vineyards hold USDA and EU organic certification. The nose shows ripe plum, dark cherry, licorice, dried fig, a balsamic undertone and violets. The palate is generous and fruit-forward, with concentrated red and black fruit, spice, a mineral edge, underbrush and a whisper of tobacco. The finish is moderately long, with fine-grained tannins, ripe plum and warm spice.