Al-Muvedre, `Al-Muvedre` Monastrell
Vintage: 2024
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | AM401A24 | 12 x 75 | Agglomerated Cork | Available |
Producer
Telmo Rodríguez and his business partner Pablo Eguzkiza established the Al-Muvedre project in 2001 after an enlightening trip to Alicante. Here, they discovered a treasure trove of forgotten old vines and a rich viticultural history.
This ancient wine-growing region was once best known for its sweet wines. During the 16th century, Alicante’s ‘rancio’ wines rivalled the finest sherries and ports, while in the 19th century, its vineyards initially avoided the decimation of phylloxera. As a result, Alicante thrived during a period when many European wines were in severe decline. However, when phylloxera arrived, and sweet wines went out of fashion, the golden age of Alicante wines came to a swift end.
Despite this decline, the region has remained home to a wealth of exceptional old vine Monastrell. Also known as Mourvèdre, Monastrell thrives in the Mediterranean climates and finds a natural home in Alicante's rugged, mountainous landscape. Before Telmo and Pablo’s initial trip, the president of the International Wine Academy, Dr Parce, told them that the best Mourvèdre he had tasted in his life was from Alicante. The duo quickly understood why, becoming enamoured with the Monastrell vines they found flourishing in the region. Planted on poor, calcareous soils comprised of sandy loam with heat-retaining pebbles on their surface, these low-yielding vines produce deeply flavoured wines with a distinctive sense of place. The Al-Muvedre project seeks to reflect this. Producing just one exceptional Monastrell, which offers superb value, in the words of Telmo and Pablo, “Al-Muvedre represents the spirit of the Mediterranean.”
The Al-Muvedre Monastrell is sourced from organic vineyards in the village of Villena, planted on chalky limestone soils between 500 and 700 meters above sea level. The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel tanks, where the wine was then aged for several months before bottling. The wine is fragrant and expressive, with notes of ripe bramble fruit, wild garrigue herbs and a spicy, soft finish.
Vineyards
The vineyards are planted and sustainably farmed around the Villena village, in the region of Alicante. Certified-organic bush vines are grown at between 500 and 700 metres above sea level, on calcareous soils which have a sandy composition and poor organic matter, as well as rounded pebbles.
Vintage
The 2024 vintage was marked by severe drought following three consecutive years of low rainfall, resulting in the lowestyielding harvest in memory. With an average of just 130 litres of precipitation, vineyards were under significant stress. Late-season rains helped slow ripening and supported excellent phenolic development. Despite the hydric stress, sugar and alcohol levels remained moderate, and grape health was exceptional. A carefully phased harvest schedule proved essential to achieving a balanced and high-quality crop.
Vinification
The bush trained vines were hand picked before fermentation took place with indigenous yeasts in stainless-steel tanks for 8 months. The resulting wine remained in the same tanks for several months before bottling.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Bright ruby‑red in the glass, the nose offers an inviting Mediterranean expression of Monastrell with aromas of ripe blackberry and dark fruit, accented by gentle spice and subtle earthy tones. On the palate it is fresh and vigorous, showing juicy red and black fruit framed by lively acidity and soft, fine tannins. Mineral and spice nuances add depth, while the finish is long and expressive, highlighting the variety’s natural vibrancy and character typical of Alicante’s sandy, calcareous vineyards.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%