From time to time some extraordinary value appears in supermarket chain Lidl, in the form of Spanish and Italian reds from warmer, less famous wine regions. They don’t pretend to taste like expensive wines, and that’s an advantage – they are pure and honest, and as they are well crafted too,  I often find more pleasure in such bottles than in many reds that cost considerably more. Like in this case.

The archetype of Spanish Monastrell. This is how it tastes, how it’s structured when it’s flawless and not distorted by new oak or over-ripeness. You get that wild and compelling aroma that cannot be compared to any other variety (except Carignan, perhaps), nutmeg, blood and dark chocolate appear on the nose. A somewhat fuller body, true to its warm origin, without heaviness. Trademark Mourvedre-tannins complete the picture. A generous, but well balanced and immensely drinkable red, I simply love it – consumed four bottles in the last six months, they were consistent in quality.