San Isidro, Monastrell
(moh-nah-STREHL)

Tasting Notes: In the Rhone Valley, French vintners have long made stylish wine from Mourvèdre. Less polished, but perhaps more striking, is this Monastrell (known in other parts of the world as Mourvèdre) from the backwaters of Spain, in the arid climes of Bullas. With aromas of plum preserves, Partagás cigar ash, soy, and sage blossom, this is a powerfully authentic wine that wears its caballero saddle-leather personality with panache.

	Murcia, España. (Bullas) 10 hectares.		Chalk and clay.
	San Isidro. (sahn ee-SEE-droh)		Traditional bush pruning. 1,600 vines/hectare. 1.5 bottle/plant yield.
	Juan Garcia Valera. (hwan gahr-SEE-ah vah-LAY-rah)		10 day maceration in temp controlled stainless steel.
	100% Monastrell.		No barrel aging.
	1.5 grams per liter.		24 months in the bottle.
	4.6 grams per liter.		5,000 cases.
	13.0% by volume.		Fantastic match for Manchego cheese, Marcona Almonds, and olives.