Bodegas Piqueras Los Losares Monastrell

Made from old Monastrell vines (about 70 yrs) grown at 950 metres above sea level in Almansa, Spain, where rugged conditions send their roots deep for nourishment. This ensures these hardy Monastrell vines produce very low yields, resulting in a more concentrated and higher quality wine. Pre-maceration, bâtonnage stirring and maturing for 14 months in French oak vats all contribute to this wine’s subtleties and the perfect maturity achieved by the old-vine Monastrell grapes. In the glass you’ll find an intense violet colour with cherry red edges and enticing fruity notes of blackberries and plums with hints of compote alongside subtle mineral and scrubland nuances. All of this is wrapped in balanced tones from the ageing, which adds subtle vanilla, pepper and smoke. Enjoy on its own or with bbqs, roasts, grilled or fried foods, grilled red meats or grilled vegetables.

• Gold, 2023 Gilbert & Gaillard International Wine Challenge (2019 vintage)
• 90 points, 2021 International Wine & Spirit Competition, IWSC (2018 vintage), saying, “Well balanced and concentrated. Blackberry compote and spice finishing with a nice freshness.“

 

Bodegas Piqueras is a fourth generation estate, founded in 1915 in the southeastern Spanish region of Almansa. With its semi-desert climate, it’s an ideal area to practice organic winemaking, with plenty of sunlight and little chance of disease. The cool nights contrast the hot days, giving vital acidity and aromatics to the rich, deeply-coloured wines. The traditional grapes of the region are Garnacha Tintorera, a rare red-fleshed grape variety, and Monastrell, also known as Mourvèdre. These are grown in the Los Timonares vineyard, which sits at 2500 feet above sea level. The Los Chuchillos vineyard has the estate’s oldest vines, with the gnarly bush vines being over 60 years old. Bodegas Piqueras recently added the El Vinculo vineyard, which is based amongst the olives, almonds and grains of the Almansa reservoir region. All viticulture is done with nature, not against it, and biodiversity is actively encouraged. Sheep graze to keep surrounding plants in check, and their manure is used as fertiliser.