The Mediterranean

THE MEDITERRANEAN

The Mediterranean. Long gone are the times when talking about the wines of Alicante, Valencia and Jumilla meant overripeness, bombast and tons of new oak.

Fortunately, a growing number of wineries are trying to produce livelier, fresher wines that convey a sense of terroir.

Producers such as Bodegas Arraez. We've just received Mala Vida 2014 Mágnum, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Monastrell, Syrah and Tempranillo. 1.5 litre bottle.

Enrique Mendoza is another interesting producer. His Enrique Mendoza Pinot Noir 2014 is a surprisingly subtle single varietal Pinot Noir.

Truly versatile, the same winemaker is also capable of crafting Santa Rosa 2012, a bold, age-worthy red made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.

Speaking of vins de garde, Triga 2013, by Jorge Ordóñez's Bodegas Volver, masterfully balances the international Cabernet Sauvignon with Monastrell, the noblest indigenous grape of the Spanish Levant.

The Mediterranean is also a great place for sweet white wines. A good example is Moscatel de la Marina 2016, a varietal Muscat of Alexandria produced by Enrique Mendoza.

We finish with two wines produced by Juan Gil, arguably Jumilla's best known winery.

A single varietal Monastrell, Juan Gil Etiqueta Plata 2014 is an absolute classic of the region.

Finally, Juan Gil Blanco 2016 is a dry, crisp white wine made from Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains).

Until our next post,

Enjoy wine-and let it breathe.