Monasterio de las Vinas Carinena Crianza 2010
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Monasterio de las Viñas is a Spanish wine brand known for producing high-quality wines in the Cariñena Denomination of Origin, located in the northeastern part of Spain. The brand is closely associated with the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in the region, where vineyards benefit from a continental climate and optimal soil conditions. Monasterio de las Viñas takes its name from the nearby Cistercian monastery, highlighting its connection to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the area.
The winery, established in 1997, has a commitment to crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of Cariñena. Monasterio de las Viñas focuses on both traditional Spanish grape varieties, such as Garnacha and Tempranillo, as well as international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The winemaking process combines modern techniques with a respect for traditional methods, ensuring the production of wines that balance innovation with a sense of regional identity. As a result, Monasterio de las Viñas wines are recognized for their consistent quality and distinctive character, appealing to wine enthusiasts seeking a genuine expression of the Cariñena terroir.
With a portfolio that includes red, white, and rosé wines, Monasterio de las Viñas caters to a diverse range of preferences. The red wines are often characterized by their bold and robust flavors, showcasing the depth and intensity of the region's red grape varieties. Meanwhile, the white and rosé offerings demonstrate the winery's versatility in producing refreshing and lively wines that capture the essence of Cariñena's terroir. Monasterio de las Viñas has earned a reputation as a reliable and respected player in the Spanish wine industry, contributing to the global appreciation of wines from the Cariñena region.
With hundreds of red grape varieties to choose from, winemakers have the freedom to create a virtually endless assortment of blended red wines. In many European regions, strict laws are in place determining the set of varieties that may be used, but in the New World, experimentation is permitted and encouraged resulting in a wide variety of red wine styles. Blending can be utilized to enhance balance or create complexity, lending different layers of flavors and aromas. For example, a red wine blend variety that creates a fruity and full-bodied wine would do well combined with one that is naturally high in acidity and tannins. Sometimes small amounts of a particular variety are added to boost color or aromatics. Blending can take place before or after fermentation, with the latter, more popular option giving more control to the winemaker over the final qualities of the wine.
How to Serve Red Wine
A common piece of advice is to serve red wine at “room temperature,” but this suggestion is imprecise. After all, room temperature in January is likely to be quite different than in August, even considering the possible effect of central heating and air conditioning systems. The proper temperature to aim for is 55° F to 60° F for lighter-bodied reds and 60° F to 65° F for fuller-bodied wines.
How Long Does Red Wine Last?
Once opened and re-corked, a bottle stored in a cool, dark environment (like your fridge) will stay fresh and nicely drinkable for a day or two. There are products available that can extend that period by a couple of days. As for unopened bottles, optimal storage means keeping them on their sides in a moderately humid environment at about 57° F. Red wines stored in this manner will stay good – and possibly improve – for anywhere from one year to multiple decades. Assessing how long to hold on to a bottle is a complicated science. If you are planning long-term storage of your reds, seek the advice of a wine professional.
This northeastern Spanish town is believed to be the origin of the grape with the same name. However, Carinena (in French, known as Carignan) has all but been abandoned in favor of Garnacha, which is better suited for its arid climate. The region of Carinena also produces fine examples of whites based on Garnacha Blanca, Macabeo, Parellada and others.