Alicante has a storied wine history, but in the last 100 years hasn’t been a major force in Spanish wines.  However, as interest in its native variety Monastrell (called Mouvedre or Estrangle Chien in France) develops, people are rediscovering the stunning wines from Alicanté.  Monastrell is one of the few red grapes that really likes hot weather, in fact needs it to ripen (thus the name Estrangle Chien, the dog strangler, in France), and Alicanté, with its hot Mediterranean climate and extra sunlight reflected from the sea delivers heat in abundance.  Alicanté also has very poor soil, high in limestone and poor in clay and fertile humus, that stresses grape vines and provides excellent drainage.  For an added treat, the region is full of really old vines.

One of my favorite ways to find outstanding wines that are “off the beaten path” is to follow gifted winemakers from well-known regions to new projects in lesser-known areas.  They usually go because they are passionate about the potential of the area, and put great personal stake in proving themselves right.  The result for consumers is wines that are made as carefully as the winemaker’s more famous wines at a fraction of the price.  El Sequé is just such a project.  Juan Carlos Lopez, the visionary winemaker behind the Artadi Riojas, purchased forty acres of land in Alicanté in 1999, and has set out to prove that it is a world-class wine region.   Based on his results so far, I agree.

The 2006 Vinedos el Sequé is made from mostly Monastrell, with hints of Syrah and Cabernet to add complexity.  The wine is made in a very ripe, extracted style, and is a heady dark purple color.  Aromas of black plums, smoke, leather, spice and dried herbs compliment rich, fruit-driven flavors, in this powerful wine that, despite its power, is silken in texture.  This is a great wine for Barbeque, Korean Bulgogi, and very reduced sauces.  This is also a wine that is just fun to drink, so don’t save it for a special occasion, drink it!  Drink now – 2013.