Stunning value from Spain that drinks way above its price point!
92 Points Wine Advocate
I taste a lot of wine when purchasing inventory for the shop, and I mean a lot! While that may sound like a dream job, let me assure you, some days are far, far better than others. Over the years I've tasted and rejected oceans of poorly made and flawed wines. On the other hand, it's a pleasure when I uncork a wine like La Tremenda. Here's a wine that provides superior quality at a jaw-dropping value. For those of you that follow points, it earned a 92 from Luis Gutiérrez of the Wine Advocate, making it one of a very select few in this price range to score so high.
Alicante is a DO (Denominación de Origen) on Spain's Mediterranean coast in the autonomous region of Valencia. Once known primarily for oranges and Paella, the region is now also home to dozens of wineries producing bold, spicy reds. Monastrell is king here and it thrives in the harsh, arid climate. Vines are carefully trained low to the ground in efforts to beat the heat of the long dry summers. If vines must "suffer" to make great wine, they certainly will here!
Enrique Mendoza is one of the venerable names in Alicante wine. Their winery was created in 1989 in Alfaz del Pí, very close to the seaside resort of Benidorm with vineyard holdings in the Vinalopo Valley. Today, second generation brothers Pepe and Julien run the family estate with a dedicated focus on sustainable and biodynamic methodology.
When this wine gets into your glass, you'll be amazed by the high level of quality served up at such a reasonable price. Stunning aromas of red and black berries, cherry, raspberry and plum leap from the glass. The spicy yet silky palate moves to a surprisingly lengthy finish with lovely notes of brown spice and chocolate. It will perfectly pair with all of your summer adventures at the grill and will also be completely at home at your next picnic.
Here's what Luis Gutiérrez had to say in issue 234 of the Wine Advocate:
Their entry-level Monastrell 2016 La Tremenda is sourced from the vineyard that names the wine, from their estate El Chaconero in the village of Villena, a plot at 600 meters altitude planted some 25 years ago. It fermented in stainless steel and matured in French barriques for six months. 2016 is a cooler year than 2014 or 2015, and the wines reflect it. It was not an easy year; they had to do a strict selection of grapes, and it paid off. It has the character of the variety, with its elegant rusticity with a fresh, herbal twist and a palate with fine-grained tannins, nicely textured and with a supple, very tasty finish. This is a superb introduction to Monastrell from Alicante at an incredible price. 50,000 bottles produced.
20 Cases available at this price while current supplies last.
Don't miss the deal on this one!
Regular price here at the AWM: $14.99
In a 6 Pack: $13.49
In a case: $12.74
Ask for a taste! We'll have the La Tremenda on the Coravin and available anytime this week for you to try before you buy.
Don't worry if you can't make it into the shop. Just phone with a credit card number and we'll hold your purchase in our cellar for pickup at your convenience.