Savoury, earthy aromas with a delightful herbaceous lift. Focused, bright palate full of red fruit with appealing notes of sour cherry and an underlying balsamic richness. Characterful and elegant with fine tannins and a long finish.

Family-owned since 1771, Casa Los Frailes is run by the 13th generation of the Velázquez family. Formerly a Jesuit friary, the estate covers 162 hectares of which 130 is under vine. The remainder is forest, almond and olive trees. It was the Jesuits who established the house as a winery in the 17th century, building cellars and underground amphorae and making ceremonial wine.

With all this history it’s only natural that the Velázquez family would see themselves not as owners but as custodians of the land. The winery is located in the Terres des Alforins valley, sandwiched between the mountains along the Mediterranean coast and the Meseta. Geologically the area is diverse, with a range of soil types including magnesium-rich dolomites, alluvial deposits, and yellow, white, and iron-rich limestones. The dominance of hard limestone conserves water during the dry summer months and forces the bush vines’ roots to dig deep in search of water and nutrients. Their approach to farming is entirely holistic, following the biodynamic calendar, and they were one of the first certified organic wineries in Spain, certified in 2000. Cellar work is equally traditional, using centuries-old concrete vats.

These are authentic, artisan wines made with a gentle touch and the utmost respect for the land.

Monastrell

Garnacha

Valencia