Bodega Sierra Norte ‘Pasión de Monastrell’ 2019

Region: Alicante, Valencia, Spain
Grape(s): Monastrell
Drinks Best: Now – 3 Years

Bodega Sierra Norte began in 1914 when two brothers defied the regional tradition of growing cereal grains and planted wine grapes on their family farm instead. They got a lot of flak from their neighbors, but they persevered, made great wines, and passed on the winery to their kids. Now, their grandchildren run the winery and focus on growing native varietals and making sustainable wines. Their ‘Pasión’ line of wines are sourced from organic vineyards planted with indigenous Mediterranean varieties, like this Monastrell. Aged for 6 months in second-fill French oak barrels – this is a bold, rich wine with beautifully integrated oaky spices that balance nicely with the notes of cherry jam, mountain herbs, and a wet stone minerality. Pleasant tannins and a lush texture introduce a long finish with hints of smoke and balsamic.

Pairings: Crispy pig head from Stanbury