Vintus

Almuvedre, Alicante

Almuvedre is 100% Monastrell, the local clone of Mourvedre, from Alicante. Viticulture in these vines is traditionally unirrigated, and the bush pruned vines are carefully looked after by old wine growers (heirs of gestures that nowadays only a very advanced and intellectual viticulture has been able to recover). The yields are often less than 10 hectoliters per hectare, making the Monastrell concentrated and complex. Bunches are very small and the stalk nearly gets mixed with the vine shoot; vinification has to be very careful.

Natural yeasts are used, and careful fermentation guarantees the spice character of the varietal, avoiding herbaceous aromas. Even though the area is a hot Mediterranean one, the sea’s cooling effect results in a late harvest, and moderate alcohol content.

The wines are racked several times during the winter in order to develop the aromas, and they are bottled in spring, after a soft fining.

The name Almuvedre comes from the combination of Al, whose origin is Arabic due to the presence, for many centuries, of this people in the area; and Muvedre, one of the names of Monastrell, and also the ancient name of the Sagunt area.

Vintage 2006 Reviews:
“Inky purple. Deep cherry and plum aromas are complicated by minerals, tar and espresso. Fleshy dark fruit flavors are firmed by youthful tannins, picking up a bitter quality on the close. A firm, grown-up style that's not normally found at this price.” 88 IWC, Sep/Oct 2007

Vintage 2005 Reviews:
“A terrific value is the 100% Mourvedre tank-aged cuvee, the 2005 Al Muvedre. It exhibits surprisingly sweet tannin (for a Mourvedre) along with loads of blueberry, cherry, and earthy notes. Unusually rich, medium-bodied, concentrated, and complex for a wine that has seen no wood, it should be consumed over the next 3-4 years.” 88 Wine Advocate, August 2006