El seque 2021 (Artadi)

Cellar for up to 6 years. No need to decant before serving. The renowned Artadi estate from Rioja began a new adventure in 1999 when owner Juan Carlos López de Lacalle arrived in Alicante to unearth the secrets of the local Monastrell grape. Today Artadi works 40 hectares of vines in El Pinoso where the sandy loam soils, 600 metres of altitude and hot dry climate help create powerful red wines with real Mediterranean flair. El Seque is a single varietal Monastrell made with hand-harvested grapes which are farmed organically to produce the best possible fruit. The grapes are then macerated and fermented over the course of around two weeks before the wine is transferred to large 500 litre oak barrels where it rests for 12 months. This long beauty sleep helps to give El Seque gentle toasty notes which mingle harmoniously with the succulent red plum, blueberry and cherry aromas. On the palate the concentrated fruit flavours and full body are carefully balanced aby freshness, fine tannins and characterful hints of sweet spice. Try pairing this bottle with a hearty beef stew, roasted pork shoulder or smoky barbecued red meats to match the intense flavours and power of the Monastrell.