A Monastrell grown on old vines that combines authenticity, elegance and a history that few wines can boast of.
The tranquil plateau of Chinchilla de Montearagón, where vines have to battle with the continental climate and chalky soils, is home to a red wine capable of surprising even the most discerning palates: Enclave Monastrell 2018. It comes from ungrafted vines that are over 80 years old, a winegrowing heritage that has almost disappeared in Europe. Its depth of flavour, finesse and unique origins make it a wine that deserves to be discovered in a leisurely fashion, glass in hand.
Serving temperature
Type of wine
Region
Grape variety
100% Monastrell
Type of barrel
400-litre French oak barrels
Barrel aging time
12 months
Capacity (cl)
75
Alcohol content (% vol.)
14.5
Enclave Monastrell 2018 is one of those reds that instantly captivate you with their distinctive origins and delicate craftsmanship. It comes from ungrafted vines that are over eight decades old, a viticultural treasure that survived phylloxera and now produces grapes of exceptional purity. Harvested by hand and aged for 12 months in 400-litre French oak barrels, this single-varietal wine has a unique personality: ripe fruit, balsamic notes, elegance on the palate and a long finish that entices you to keep drinking. Ageing in French oak adds depth without diminishing its freshness, and its origins – old vines – are evident in the concentration and elegancy of its tannins.
The winery responsible for this gem is Finca Los Aljibes, a family-run firm that has transformed a unique enclave on the plateau of La Mancha, making it synonymous with quality. Located at an altitude of almost 1,000 metres and surrounded by 178 hectares of vineyards, the estate combines tradition and advanced technology to produce highly expressive wines under the Vino de la Tierra de Castilla designation. Its commitment to varietal diversity and recovering historic vineyards, such as those on Finca La Rambla, has put the Lorenzo family on the map of the region’s great winemakers.
In short, Enclave Monastrell 2018 is an essential wine for anyone looking for authenticity and character. It is perfect with roasts, all kinds of meat and game dishes, and has been highly rated by critics: the 2017 vintage scored 90 points from Decanter and 90 points from James Suckling, confirming its extraordinary quality. But this vintage has made a strong debut: it already has a rating of 92 points from James Suckling. A unique, rare red wine with a history that deserves to be enjoyed in every glass.
View
Displays a deep violet colour.
Nose
Aromas of ripe fruit, minerally hints and balsamic background notes very characteristic of the variety.
Mouth
Silky, balanced and surprisingly refined for a Monastrell from a continental climate, with a clean and complex finish.
Bodegas Los Aljibes is an ambitious family project located in Chinchilla de Montearagón (Albacete), a place that, at first glance, seems quite unusual to host a company of this kind. The winery was built in 2003 in the center of a spectacular estate that spans 178 hectares of vineyard—along with almond and olive trees—at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level. The list of grape varieties cultivated by the Lorenzo family there is impressive and, to say the least, unique: tempranillo, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, garnacha tintorera, petit verdot, syrah, chardonnay, verdejo, and sauvignon blanc. The limestone soils, continental climate, and altitude are factors that promote low yields and optimal ripening, enhancing the quality of the wines.
The winery's exterior replicates a typical Manchegan construction, while its interior houses the most cutting-edge technology. Here, high-expression wines with an excellent quality-to-price ratio are crafted. The wines of Finca Los Aljibes bear the seal of Vino de la Tierra de Castilla. Manuel Lorenzo, the founder's son, is the current General Director. Finca Los Aljibes takes its name from two natural underground water cisterns used to irrigate the vineyard. Another unique feature of the property is its stud farm of Purebred Spanish Horses (in fact, wine tourists can tour the estate in a horse-drawn carriage).
