Telmo Rodríguez, Al-Muvedre, D.O. Alicante, red wine, 0.75l

Telmo Rodríquez is a Spanish winery founded in 1994. It has earned a worldwide reputation as a pioneer championing Spanish winemaking, a travelling oenologist and "driving wine-maker". This reputation comes above all from the fact that he travels to wine regions to produce single-harvest wines using only the native varieties of the given area. He also devotes special care to reviving forgotten vineyards. The Telmo Rodríquez brand reflects an immense love of wine and fine winemaking craft.

The Telmo Rodríguez Al-Muvedre Tinto Monastrell wine represents an authentic expression of the true Mediterranean character of the Monastrell variety, which the wine brings from vineyards in the Alicante region of Spain's Levante.

Grape variety: 100% Monastrell, a traditional red variety from south-east Spain, prized for its rich dark fruit aroma, structured tannins and ability to express the Mediterranean terroir.

Vineyard: The grapes come from vineyards around Monóvar and Villena in the province of Alicante. The soils are predominantly chalky with a sandy or sandy-loam base, often with surface pebbles, which limits yields and encourages the concentration of aromas and terroir character. Cultivation follows the traditional method, using the bush vine system (untrellised) and hand-harvesting. The climate here is genuinely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35 °C and very sparse rainfall. However, thanks to the altitude of these vineyards and dramatic daily temperature swings, the fruit retains acidity, finesse and delicacy.

Production and ageing: After harvest, the grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and cement tanks, which helps preserve the purity of the fruit and the expression of the terroir. The wine is then aged 6–8 months in tanks, without the use of new oak, retaining a fresh, lively structure with natural fruitiness.

Taste and aroma: The resulting wine presents, in the glass, an intense dark red to purple colour with a delicate floral bouquet overlaid with a dried-fig-like richness. Surprisingly, the medium-full palate brings sweet blueberries, redcurrant and a touch of tobacco and liquorice, while the acidity keeps the wine fresh and invigorating. The finish reveals a gentle grip, a hint of pepper with rich aromas of ripe red and black fruit.

Food pairing: Recommended serving temperature 15–18 °C. Pairs excellently with grilled meat, lamb, stews, tapas, cheese platters or dishes with the rich flavours of Mediterranean cuisine, where it supports the intensity of the flavours.

Alcohol content: 13.5%
Origin: Spain, D.O. Alicante