Check out Joyce’s new and exclusive wine range from Spain and Portugal selected by Masters of Wine student Antonia Dominguez from Antonia’s Wines.
Antonia Dominguez was born in Jerez, Spain, famed for its sherry production, and was raised in Ireland. She is a holder of the WSET Level 4 diploma in wines and spirits and is currently a student on the prestigious Masters of Wine programme, the only MW student in Ireland. Her expertise stretches far beyond Spanish wines, extending to all notable wine regions of the world. Under her meticulous and quality-orientated selection process, she sources stand-out wines at a range of price points and styles, representing wineries from both undiscovered and classic regions. Her selection is based on offering unique and expressive wines with personality, and on bringing Irish consumers as close as possible to an authentic wine experience.
In Spanish, El Copón does not have the same meaning so familiar to us in Ireland! It is an informal term for something that is very good. This is most true of this wine, made in the region of Bullas, in the southeast of Spain, where the predominant grape variety, Monastrell, thrives. Typically, this grape makes full-bodied wines with ripe bramble fruits (damson, plum ), hints of spice (black pepper ), and earthy, garrigue, notes.
I have selected El Copón for Joyce’s new wine range to showcase the very best of this alluring variety. The Monastrell is grown at high-altitude, which has a cooling effect on the vines. A high diurnal range – the difference between lowest and highest temperatures – helps the grapes to preserve natural acidity, lending fresh floral undertones (violet ) and a herbal lift to the wine. It is blended with Syrah (20 per cent ), to add some lush blackberry and minty notes, before being aged in American and French oak barriques for four months to marry the flavours. The result is a concentrated, silky-smooth, red with an elegant bouquet. A must-try for the red-wine lover.
It is suitable for pairing with all types of meat dishes – grilled steaks, slow cooked lamb, barbecue meats – as well as pasta dishes with rich tomato-based sauces. Also perfect with strong cheeses and charcuterie.
