Crafted from 100% Monastrell grapes grown in Jumilla's arid limestone soils, the Juan Gil Monastrell Silver Label is a bold, expressive red wine that showcases the essence of Spanish viticulture. Aged for 12 months in French oak, this wine boasts an opulent bouquet of ripe currant, boysenberry, and cassis, accented with smoky spice and hints of vanilla. Its deep purple hue and velvety texture deliver a powerful yet balanced palate, featuring rich dark fruit flavors and a lingering toasted finish. Perfectly paired with grilled meats, charcuterie, or even spiced Asian cuisine, this robust wine offers exceptional depth and elegance. With sustainable farming practices and Monastrell's characteristic boldness, this wine guarantees a memorable tasting experience for lovers of full-bodied reds.
Process & Profile
The Juan Gil Monastrell Silver Label is a premium Spanish red wine crafted with 100% Monastrell grapes (also known as Mourvèdre). This wine is produced in the hot, arid climate of Jumilla, Spain, using grapes from old, low-yield vines planted on limestone and chalky soils. These conditions provide exceptional concentration and intensity. After whole-cluster fermentation in stainless steel, the wine matures for 12 months in French oak barrels, resulting in a robust yet balanced profile. The winemaking combines tradition and sustainability, with environmentally friendly practices being integral to the process.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Deep red with purple highlights, almost opaque, highlighting its youth and intensity.
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Aromas: Explosive notes of ripe currants, blackberries, and cassis, elegantly intertwined with smoky spices, vanilla, and toasted nuances contributed by the oak aging.
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Palate: Full-bodied and velvety, bursting with flavors of dark fruits like plums and black cherries, complemented by hints of mocha, toffee, and cinnamon spice. The wine's structure is defined by balanced acidity, polished tannins, and a lingering finish of minerality and toasted oak.
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Finish: Long and complex, with a harmony of fruit, spice, and subtle earthy tones.
What Makes It Special
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Terroir & Grapes: Sourced from 40-year-old non-irrigated vines growing on nutrient-poor, rocky soils, the Monastrell grapes yield rich, concentrated flavors.
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Sustainability: The vineyard adheres to sustainable and organic farming practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
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Oak Aging: A 12-month maturation in French oak barrels lends depth and refinement while maintaining balance between fruit and oak.
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Heritage: This wine is part of the legacy of Bodegas Juan Gil, a family-owned estate with over a century of winemaking tradition in Jumilla.
How to Enjoy
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Food Pairings: The bold flavors and smooth texture of the Juan Gil Monastrell Silver Label make it a versatile companion to hearty dishes. Pair it with grilled red meats, roasted lamb, charcuterie boards, or aged cheeses. It also complements flavorful cuisines like barbecue, Indian curries, and Asian dishes.
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Serving Tips: Serve slightly below room temperature (16-18°C or 60-65°F) to enhance its aromas and flavors. Decanting for 30 minutes will allow the wine to open up further.
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Cellaring Potential: Enjoy it now for its bold fruit and spice, or cellar for up to 5-7 years to experience its evolving complexity.
Indulge in the Juan Gil Monastrell Silver Label, a powerful yet harmonious wine that embodies the essence of Jumilla's unique terroir and Spain's rich winemaking heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell?
This wine is bold and full-bodied, featuring rich flavors of ripe black fruits such as blackberry, plum, and black cherry. It also has hints of black pepper, cocoa, licorice, and earthy notes like tobacco and roasted herbs. These flavors are complemented by a smooth texture and balanced acidity.
What foods pair well with Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell?
This wine pairs excellently with hearty and flavorful dishes such as grilled or roasted meats, game, stews, barbecue, and aged cheeses. It also complements Mediterranean cuisine and dishes with a smoky or spicy element.
What is the ideal serving temperature for this wine?
The ideal serving temperature for Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell is between 60-68°F (15-20°C). Serving it at this temperature enhances its flavor and aroma profile.
Should I decant Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell?
Yes, it is recommended to decant the wine for about an hour before serving. Decanting allows the wine to breathe, helping its bold flavors and aromas to open up.
What is the aging potential of Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell?
This wine has excellent aging potential due to its high tannin content and robust structure. It can be cellared for 8-10 years or more, during which it will develop greater complexity and depth.
Where is Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell produced?
This wine is produced in the Jumilla region of Spain, which is renowned for its Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre) wines. The grapes are sourced from high-altitude vineyards with old, low-yielding vines.
What winemaking techniques are used for Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell?
The grapes are fermented in stainless steel and the wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. This process enhances the wine's structure, adds complexity, and integrates oak-derived notes like vanilla and spice.
Is Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell sustainable?
Yes, the producers of Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell employ sustainable farming practices. The grapevines are grown without irrigation in a way that supports the natural environment of the Jumilla region.
What distinguishes this wine from other Monastrell wines?
Juan Gil Silver Label Monastrell stands out for its richness, depth, and balance. The unique terroir of Jumilla and the careful winemaking process offer a powerful yet harmonious expression of the Monastrell grape.
Are there any awards or ratings for this wine?
The 2022 vintage received a 93-point rating from Wine Advocate, highlighting its balance, fresh expression, and excellent drinkability. It is widely regarded as a high-quality example of Monastrell at an accessible price point.