Price: $17.99
Sale Price: $14.97
* This item is for in store pickup only
The wines from Valencia, located in eastern Spain on the Mediterranean coast, represent some of the best values in the world right now. Previously known for producing easy drinking bulk wines, Alicante has been transformed by a new generation of wine producers who farm the vineyards and make the wines which still come to us at very affordable prices. Bodega Sierra Salinas was founded in 2000 and the philosophy has been to restore focus on the vineyards, by converting all of them to organic and dry farming. The temptation in such an arid climate as Alicante is to irrigate, but dry farming in this zone forces the root structures to grow deep and produces bunches with a tremendous natural balance of phenolic ripeness and a refreshing acidity. They have also minimized the impact of new oak barrique in their wines, and at this price point, are creating a completely unique style of Monastrell from Alicante. The Mira Salinas is 100% Monastrell, the same grape as Mourvedre, and I was impressed with its complex aromatics and freshness on the palate. This is a red that could accompany lamb, a traditional fish stew with sausage or, quintessentially, a saffron-infused paella. The 2020 received a 93 point rating from Jeb Dunnuck with the following description that I could not improve upon: “a vivid purple hue and offers remarkable purity in its crème de cassis, crushed violets, spice box, crushed stone, and graphite nuances. It's concentrated, medium to full-bodied, has remarkable purity, and ripe tannins.”
