El Sequé 2023
DO Alicante, Bodegas y Viñedos El Sequé, 750 ml
The Warmth of the Mediterranean
- Monastrell from historic vineyards: poor soils, remarkable freshness thanks to the altitude.
- Dark berries, violets and Mediterranean herbs. Soft and juicy with subtle spice.
- Perfect with grilled lamb, braised game dishes, mushroom ragout or a selection of tangy cheeses.
Description
Some Like It Hot: Monastrell is a true Mediterranean grape that thrives in the heat. Twenty-five years ago, Rioja icon Juan Carlos López de Lacalle joined forces with local grower Agapito Rico to revive historic vineyards in Pinoso, near Alicante. Today, the gnarled vines, some more than 60 years old, grow on poor, stony soils at 600 metres above sea level near the Sierra de Salinas. Thanks to the elevation, the wine retains remarkable freshness despite the intense heat. In the cellar, restraint takes precedence over heavy extraction. The nose reveals dark berries, violets and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, El Sequé is supple and approachable, combining juicy fruit with subtle spice. A powerful partner for grilled lamb, slow-braised game dishes or a selection of mature cheeses.
Attributes
| Grape variety: | Monastrell |
| Producer: | Bodegas y Viñedos El Sequé |
| Origin: | Spain / Alicante / Pinoso |
| Food Pairing: | Risotto with ceps, Bistecca fiorentina, T-Bone steak, Wild specialities, Spiced grillades, Spicy hard cheese |
| Vinification: | fermentation in wooden barrel, Pumping over, fermentation at low temperatures, short must fermentation |
| Maturation: | partly in wooden barrel/foudre, in large wooden barrel/foudre |
| Maturation duration: | 12 months |
| Volume: | 14.0 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Bodegas y Viñedos El Sequé
In the hinterland of Alicante, in the municipality of Pinoso, El Sequé has emerged as one of Spain’s most exciting Monastrell projects. Behind the winery is the López de Lacalle family, who have made their mark on some of the country’s most renowned wine estates, including Artadi in Rioja, Artazu in Navarre and Izar-Leku in the Basque Country.
The region is one of the Mediterranean’s historic wine-growing areas. The Phoenicians and Romans left their mark here long ago. Against this backdrop steeped in tradition, El Sequé pursues a clear aim: to create wines that authentically reflect their origins and express the distinctive characteristics of the landscape, climate and grape variety.
Today, the estate comprises around 37 hectares of vineyards on poor, sandy and limestone soils. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of between 600 and 650 metres, where hot days give way to surprisingly cool nights. These significant temperature variations lend the wines freshness and vibrancy, whilst the nutrient-poor soils, characterised by gravel and limestone, impart character and depth.
The focus is on the Monastrell grape variety, the very soul of the project. Many of the old bush vines are over 50 years old and have deep roots in the dry soil. Unlike many powerful, opulent expressions of this variety, Monastrell at El Sequé reveals a remarkably elegant side: intense fruit, Mediterranean herbs and balsamic freshness combine with precision and finesse.
Monastrell
Hot-blooded Spaniard
It cannot be hot enough for the Monastrell grape. It grows around the Mediterranean, where the summers are long and hot and the winters mild. At only 200 metres in elevation, or 80 kilometres from the coast, its grapes have problems ripening. It was likely born in the Valencia region. According to written records, it was already counted among the most important varieties in 1460. Its exact origin is thought to be the Camp de Morvedre area. From there, it migrated in the 17th century to Provence, where it was christened Mourvèdre. Its wines are deeply dark, with intense blackberry aromas, rich tannins and moderate acidity. They enter into the most beautiful harmonies with other varieties from the south, such as Garnacha, Carignan or Syrah. The Mourvèdre is the main ingredient of red wines of Bandol; it also flows into the Châteauneuf-du-Pape. On the Spanish Levante coast, it is also pressed solo.
Spain
Spain – Variety and perfection
“Somewhere in la Mancha, in a place whose name I do not care to remember...,” begins Don Quixote's odyssey.
The most famous part is definitely when Don Quixote thinks windmills are his enemy and wants to fight them – until they nearly kill him. It’s possible there was a bit too much of the La Mancha wine at play. Spanish vines fight for their survival in rugged landscapes, battling fierce drought and rough soils. But they fight well.
