At a glance

Producer

Bodegas El Nido

Region

DO Jumilla, Murcia, Spain

Grape variety

Monastrell (70%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$100

Tasting profile

Rich black fruit (blackberry, blueberry), cassis, spice, graphite, subtle herbal notes and hints of vanilla and cedar from oak aging

Evolution: Eventually develops deeper earthiness, leather, tobacco, and mineral complexity

At peak: Balanced intensity of fruit and savory tertiary notes with fine-grained tannins and firm acidity maintaining freshness

Structure

Acidity

Medium plus, balancing richness

Tannins

Firm and gripping yet well-integrated

Alcohol

High (approx. 15% to 15.5%)

Aging potential

Excellent, with capacity to age 20+ years from vintage due to tannic structure and grape quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2049

Optimal window

2022 to 2052

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking window

Current condition

Wine is showing excellent maturity with complex tertiary aromas, still firm tannins, and good freshness

The 2017 vintage offers ripe fruit and robust structure; the tannins and acidity provide a solid backbone for long-term aging. This wine's combination of Monastrell's density and Cabernet Sauvignon's structure enables it to evolve gracefully for over two decades, peaking in around 8-18 years after vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with hearty meat dishes such as grilled lamb, aged Manchego cheese, roasted game, and rich stews or even Iberian pork. Bold flavors match the wine's structure and intensity.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and open aromatic complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

El Nido employs water conservation in the arid Murcia region, uses solar energy partially for winery operations, and employs controlled yields in vineyards for quality

While Bodegas El Nido is not fully certified organic or biodynamic, they follow sustainable viticulture principles adapted to Murcia's challenging climate, including water-saving drip irrigation and integrated pest management. The winery invests in eco-friendly packaging and solar power, reducing environmental impact overall. International shipping increases carbon emissions but is typical for premium Spanish exports.