Elo Monastrell - 2017 (750ml)

Elo is the ancient name of today's capital of Murcia, built in the 7th century. It is also a nod to what was once part of the vinification history of Yecla and its neighboring areas. Historically, the winemaking area of Alicante made wines that were fresh and bright with lower alcohol levels and restraint that made them easy to consume (and in large quantities, especially during the hot summer days). With the rise of production in the 80s, more recent elaborations in this area of Spain have, unfortunately, gone to excessive maturation levels in order to achieve maximum extraction and concentration. Monastrell has a distinctive tannic character, and when overripe, lacks acidity and reaches excessive alcohol levels that deteriorate the freshness of Monastrell's deep red aromatics. When picking Monastrell with higher ripeness levels and using new oak, the sweetness of the barrels and the higher alcohol levels contrast the tannin structure in the wine and the inherent bitterness of the variety. These types of overly-friendly commercial wines have become the norm, and are almost expected, in the area of Alicante. However, it is possible to make an elegantly fresh and juicy Monastrell wine, which we think is much needed in the category. This is the inspiration behind Elo.