MundoVino Portfolio Book

Mencia | Men-See-A | — A high-quality grape grown widely in northwest Spain, especially Bierzo, it makes perfumed, relatively light-bodied reds. Highly distinctive, it has been often confused for Cabernet Franc. It is known as Jaen in Portugal. Monastrell | Mon-Ah-Strell | — Having originated in Spain, Monastrell is one of the most popular grapes in the world, used everywhere from the Rhone Valley (where it is called Mourvèdre) to Australia. The new wave of talented Spanish winemakers use old-vine Monastrell to create wines as dark as night, with relatively high alcohol levels, plenty of ripe fruit, and great concentration. Monastrell can also create elegant, herbal wines when grown at high altitudes. Prieto Picudo | Pree-ito – Pee-kudo | — A black-skinned variety native of León, this relatively intense red wine is aromatic and usually gives an intense color. It possesses sufficient levels of tannins and acidity. It is versatile and is amenable to oak treatments during vinification. This increasingly popular grape is still under development. Tempranillo | Temp-Rah-Nee-Yo | — Spain’s most widely planted and famous grape, Tempranillo is known for making some of the best wines in Spain, especially coming from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro. This grape grows well in high altitudes, with hot days and cool nights. It makes bold and complex red wines that offer red fruit, tobacco, leather, and vanilla and are usually made to last many years in cellar.

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WINES OF SPAIN