Who Doesn't Love a Monastrell from Jumilla?

The story: When you think of 'cult' wines you generally think of big Napa Valley cabernets that come out of the gate at over $100, and while delicious and often impeccably created they are often purchased out of prestige as much as quality. But there also tends to be a whole lesser known market of inexpensive bargain wines that gain a devoted following. I am often less than surprised to discover that one of these wines is from Spain. Spain is consistently turning out delicious wines that are widely available and cost well under $20.

While regions like Rioja and Xerez have strong traditions that dictate how wine is to be grown and made, many lesser know regions of Spain (Campo de Borja, Jumilla, and Yecla for example) have more freedom to experiment, and are producing bold wines that beautifully straddle the Old World and New World stylings. A visit to a wine shop with a nice Spanish section will result in some great finds, at a great price point.

The wine: One such wine is the Juan Gill Monastrell 2007, made by Bodegas Hijos de Juan Gil in Jumilla. Made from 100% monastrell (Iknow you know this, but this is just the Spanish word for mourvèdre) this is a nice ruby red wine, aged in all French oak for 12 months. The nose was a bit tight at first but opened into an addicting bouquet of red raspberries, mint, eucalyptus, hints of cedar, and Asian spices. The wine was medium bodied with plenty of berries, a touch of licorice, and quite a bit of spice through the middle. It rounded itself out beautifully with a bit of cherried minerality, framed by big tannins and nice acidity.

The score: This wine was very good, and at $12-$14 is a wine that teeters on a real bargain. It will drink well for a couple of more years, and deserves a score of 3.5/5.