A single variety Monastrell is a rare beast, really only seen in Spain. Monastrell is what the Spanish call Mouvedre, a grape variety better known in the great red wine blends of the Rhone and Barossa Valleys’.
Bodega Enguera is a relatively new winery, founded in 1999, producing wines from their own vineyards. They now own 160 hectares, so whilst not being a large winery, they are certainly not a boutique operation. Paradigma is made exclusively with old Vine Monastrell from a high altidude vineyard at their Casa Lluch property. The 2009 vintage was warmer than previous years, so the winemakers aimed for less extraction and only 7 months aging in new french oak.
The nose is vibrant and racy, with aromas of red cherries and blood oranges, denoting freshness and excellent ripeness. The most prominent characteristic of this wine is its age. It is so rare to find a current release wine at 7 years of age, drinking this well.
It is medium bodied and elegant with these very polished tannins and a subtle personality of red berries and prominent floral notes. Plus it has this strong White chocolate carácter which typifies the variety when grown in it’s native soil.
An excellent glass of wine to enjoy over the cooler months with slow cooked stews and casseroles. Of note, this winemaker has also gone down the route of Carbon Proof Certified. They neutralise their emissions through forest planting and forest management Projects.