Vicente Gandia Ceramic Monastrell Valencia 2019 750ml

Bodegas Vicente Gandía has made wine since 1885 and calls itself the largest winery in the Valencian Community. Ceramic is the name of this Monastrell, raised partly in clay jars.

The grapes come from old, dry-farmed Monastrell vines. The wine spends 11 months in oak barrels and then finishes in tinajas, traditional clay jars. The 2019 is listed under the Valencia appellation and is 14.5% alcohol.

The winery describes intense dark red, with ripe plum, licorice, coconut and vanilla, then a broad, robust palate with sweet tannins, elegant acidity and very ripe red fruit on the finish.

Against Juan Gil Silver Label, Ceramic is rounder and has a few more years of age; for a mellow, ready-to-drink Monastrell, choose Ceramic.

Serve it at 16 to 18°C, a little below room temperature. Good pairings are lamb, roast pork and cured cheeses like Manchego. It's also good with grilled sausages, roast vegetables or a beef stew on a cold night.

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