Juan Gil Silver Label Organic Monastrell

The Gil family have been producers in Jumilla since the early 20th century but took a major step forward when Miguel Gil, great-grandson of the company's founder, built a new bodega in time for the 2003 vintage. Situated on the slopes of the Peñarrubia mountain, the highest part of Jumilla with poor stony soils noted for its richly flavoured, concentrated Monastrell, the bodega owns over 750 hectares of vineyards (mainly bush vines, unirrigated and of very low yield, of indigenous clones from their own nursery) and has access to further fruit from 30 to 70 year old vines. Bodegas Juan Gil is dedicated to producing powerful yet approachable and modern wines, mainly based on Monastrell, which is grown on 85% of the vineyard - other varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

The Monastrell grapes are selected from parcels of the estate's old vine fruit (over 40 years) in Jumilla. These low-yielding vines grow in shallow, chalky soils on a bed of limestone and rock. After harvesting the grapes are macerated for 25 days, and then pressed and aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.

Powerful aromas of baked strawberry, blackberry and a hint of chocolate. Spice and cedar are layered with juicy ripe plum. Full bodied with ripe fruit and supple tannins, but the palate is left with an overall sense of freshness thanks to the crucial bright acidity. A complex wine with great appeal, concentration and length.