The colour is medium purple. On the nose intense aroma of plum and cherry, accompanied by some rosemary. In the mouth it gives a pleasant, although not motley, sensation. The aftertaste is austere, but also fruity, and last for a while.
MachoMan is produced under the Jumilla DO in Murcia, a small region of Spain located on the Mediterranean coast between Andalucia and Valencia. Vines are said to have been introduced to the region in ancient times by the Phoenicians. During Roman rule demand and esteem for Murcia’s wines were high. The region came into prominence again in the latter half of the 19th Century, when the vineyards of France were destroyed by phylloxera. Unfortunately, wine quality slipped after this period, as quantity became the key focus.
Despite escaping the major outbreak of the 19th Century, Jumilla was unexpectedly struck down by the phylloxera pest in 1989. This offered the DO a chance to modernize and refocus on lighter, more elegant wines.
Jumilla DO is one of the oldest in Spain, having acquired its official status in 1966. It specializes in wines based on the Monastrell grape variety, which accounts for around 80% of the vines. MachoMan is made 100% with Monastrell grapes.
MMM Macho Man Monastrell is one of nine wines currently marketed by Casa Rojo, each of them conceived as an homage to a grape variety grown in a different region of Spain. In this case the Monastrell of Jumilla. The name Macho Man refers to the strength and resilience of the vine and its grapes as they withstand the baking heat of summer and winter temperatures of well below zero in the north of the Region of Murcia.
I bought this bottle two years ago at El Corte Inglés in Palma de Mallorca for 18 EUR. Overall, I find it an enjoyable wine packaged in a bottle that is pleasant to look at.
Country: Spain
Region: Jumilla
Grapes: Monastrell/Mourvèdre
Type: Red
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Casa Rojo
Price range: Medium (15-30 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5