Mmm, Mmm, Monastrell!

Also, Go Birds!

Important news first: WE’RE BAAAAACK!

The Philadelphia Eagles return to the Super Bowl for the first time in five years! As if it wasn’t special enough, this year I get to watch it with my high school bestie and sister in Eagles fandom, Constant Reader AM!

This calls for a celebration!

It’s freezing outside, which means my basement is once more the perfect temperature for serving reds. Like this yummy 2019 Idilico Monastrell from Yakima Valley.

Wait. Monastrell, a Spanish grape (known as mourvèdre in France), from Washington State? Yes indeed! According to the winemaker’s website:

Washington vineyards are ideally suited to grow the finicky Spanish cultivars. Contrary to popular belief, wine regions in Spain are not balmy and endlessly sunny. In fact most top growing regions in Spain best resemble Washington State. Dry desert conditions, scorching day time temperatures with huge temperature swings at night all wrapped up in a short growing season and frosty winters.

I love the dark garnet color, and the slightly woodsy note and blackberry on the nose. It’s got juicy blackberry on the palate. The tannins have a nice structure that fall mostly on the tongue. The tannins feel “lower” somehow, and not overpowering at all. This would be terrific with sausages or bacon, something a little smoky.

It’s going to be another crazy cold weekend, so you should definitely huddle by the fire with this delicious wine. Stay warm. Go Birds!