One of the most striking wine bottles I've ever seen contains a really impressive single varietal red. In an area obsessed with blending it's great to taste Mourvedre [aka Monastrell] on its proud, confrontational own.
While this is a really impressive full on red it's not the pinnacle of value in this ridiculously cheap market. But it scores really highly on the quality of the wine, its individuality and distinctive packaging.
LAUDUM 2016 MONASTRELL
GRAPE VARIETIES: Monastrell
REGION: Alicante, Spain
A/V: 14%
PRICE: 5.49 euro
FROM: Aldi Spain
RATING: 4.5/5 from me
If you're buying booze in Portugal or Spain it's daft to go past Aldi. Sure, there are gems everywhere but Aldi just have an outstanding range across all price points. Not just in wine. Their beers and spirits are equally impressive.
This is another stunning red wine to drink now or cellar. It's not a common blend but it works beautifully. It's on the upper end of medium weight with everything in perfect balance. Very highly recommended but not for the faint hearted.
FUERZA 2014 JUMILLA D.O.P.
GRAPE VARIETIES: Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon
REGION: Jumilla, Spain
A/V: 14.5%
PRICE: 4.99 euro
FROM: Aldi, Spain
RATING: 5/5 from me
This is a really interesting wine for so many reasons.
It's contained in an extremely expensive bottle with a decidedly untraditional French premium wine label. [it doesn't come with the stain down the side - that was our clumsiness] It's from the Corbieres-Boutenac Appellation that's set itself up as a cut above the average Languedoc in which it sits.
And it's a quadruple blend of Mouvedre, Shiraz, Grenache and Carignan with a hefty 14% a/v.
We road tested it over 3 days and while it opened with plenty of near block busting promise there just wasn't the evolution we hope for in a young red.
20 euro from Cave L'Avant Garde Margaux
3/5 Rating from me
More of the same from SuperU
4.45 euro from SuperU France
4/5 Rating from me
Ogiers 2016 Heritages Cotes du Rhone
This is that classic Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre trifecta that our favourite region in Australia does so well. Well this one is blended to perfection with rich, ripe fruit characters in perfect harmony. With a hefty 14.5% a/v this superb red is the perfect antidote to any homesickness I may have for Australia
5.75euro from SuperU France
5/5 Rating from me
CARTA ROJA 2013 MONASTRELL SYRAH
Well here's both. The bad news is that the superb 2011 vintage of this is just about sold out. The good news is there is still some stock of it along with the 2013 which is sharing the shelves in some stores. The even better news is that the 2013 is a cracker. Still a little quirky but far more depth of colour and fruit with encroaching dustiness in the background. It gets even better with the price down from the regular bargain £4.85
5/5 rating from me at a ridiculous £3.64 from Sainsbury's while the 25% off sale is on
This is a lovely aged Spanish red fading in colour but still packing a charry mouth puckering punch. It's leathery and savoury. Not for everyone but should be 3 times the price.
4.5/5 rating from me
£4.85 from Sainsbury's
One of the most striking wine bottles I've ever seen contains a really impressive single varietal red. In an area obsessed with blending it's great to taste Mourvedre [aka Monastrell] on its proud, confrontational own. 
