Vinessens is a small family-owned winery located in Spain’s Valencia wine region. This particular bottle comes from the sub-region of Alicante and is sourced largely from a vineyard of 80-year-old Monastrell vines. This is the type of Spanish wine that is so undervalued that it is criminal. Locally, this currently available for less than $11, and drinks like wine twice its price.
The nose has a sauvage element, studded with cinnamon and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied and lush, with a thread of acidity turning the dark fruit into a hit of Meyer lemon on the finish. A funky note of wet earth shows a nod to natural winemaking. Monastrell loves oak, and there is plenty here, but it’s well-balanced and plays well with the other elements in this wine. Serve this with smoked pork butt or some duck confit.