El Sequé 2016 1500ml

Since 1999, Artadi has been committed to Monastrell in Alicante. The El Sequé vineyard is located at an altitude of 600 metres and is characterised by chalky marl soils with sandy and clayey topsoils. The organically farmed grapes are harvested in 10-kilo crates and pre-fermented in a cool place for 48 hours before spontaneous fermentation begins at a warm temperature. Fermentation lasts about 14 days, and the marc is usually punched down twice a day. The wine is aged for twelve months in 500-litre French oak barrels.

dense cherry red with garnet reflections

As the Monastrell is vinified in the cellar in a similar way as Artadi does with the Tempranillo in the Rioja, the difference of the variety, origin and the hand of the winemaker is wonderfully shown here. On the nose, this wine is Mediterranean and spicy, but also shows the coolness and Burgundian elegance that Lacalle wants to extrapolate in all his wines. Blackberries, sloes, blueberries and cassis mingle with black cherry, dark chocolate, earth and underbrush and a bit of olive tapenade; quite like having a touch of Syrah on board. There's also a framework of lightly smoky wood and dried Mediterranean herbs. Taken together, the nose comes across as layered, opulent yet elegant and coherent.

This impression continues on the palate, where the sweetness of the dark fruit becomes even more evident and mixes with liquorice and violet pastilles, some leather, black tea and toasted notes. The tannin is as silky as you'd expect from Artadis Riojas. The fruit is fully ripe yet on the fresh side. The texture seems exceedingly fleshy and juicy, indeed, one would like to bite into the fruit. At the same time, there is a chalky note, a wonderful freshness and acidity, a lively play of tension and pressure until the long finish.