
The Vigneview Verdict
If you’re searching for the perfect steak wine at a bargain price, then a bottle of Enrique Mendoza La Tremenda 2018 Monastrell from the Alicante DOP is what you need! Also known as Mourvedre in France, Monastrell thrives in Alicante’s warm, Mediterranean climate and is known as one of the area’s signature grape varieties. Often blended with others varieties, this is such a great opportunity to try this incredible grape as a single varietal wine!

Due to a lengthy growing season in the Alicante DOP, the Monastrell grapes are able fully ripen and develop ideal sugar levels, but are also able to maintain fresh levels of acidity due to cooling sea breezes. Additionally, the region’s sandy-loam soil is ideal for growing grapes as its porous quality allows for less water retention and excellent drainage, thus resulting in less fungal infections developing in both the vine and on the fruit. The fact that this vigorous variety has to struggle a bit for water, prevents excess canopy growth and creates the perfect opportunity for the grapes to develop more elegant and desirable complexities.
This wine is a beautiful ruby red colour with subtle aromas of violets, red fruits, cassis and hints of cocoa. On the palate, the wine is medium+ body with smooth tannins and satisfying acidity. This wine exudes a freshness that is synonymous with grapes that have been exposed to contrasting temperatures, rather than having overcooked black fruit notes from too much sun exposure. Lovely ripened red fruit flavours of freshly picked cherries, juicy red plums and hints of strawberry delight the palate. Notes of black pepper and balsamic vinegar add spicy complexities to the mix along with savoury hints of cocoa. Ageing in French oak barrels for six months has added subtle toasty notes on a lasting finish.
Food Pairing
I savoured this beautiful Enrique Mendoza La Tremenda 2018 Monastrell wine with a beautiful fillet steak topped with garlic and herb infused butter and a summer salad filled with fresh cucumbers, ripe tomates, olives, red onions and feta cheese. This was a perfect pairing for a warm August evening in Alicante.
¡Salud! x

Producer: Enrique Mendoza, La Tremenda
Country: Spain
Region: Alicante DOP
Vintage: 2018
Grapes: Monastrell
Closure: Cork
Style: Still
Price: €5.50 (Consum)
Colour: Deep Ruby Red
Sweetness: Dry
Acidity: Medium+
Alcohol: 14.5%
Body: Medium+
Tannin: Medium
Aromas/Flavours:
Floral: Violets
Red fruit: Red plums and ripe red cherries
Black fruit: Cassis and blackberries
Spice: Black Pepper and Balsamic vinegar
Other: Cocoa
Oak: Subtle toasty notes
Drinking Window: Drink now or until 2026
Awards: 92 Points Robert Parker