Alicante has been inhabited for over 7,000 years, and has produced wine for almost as long. In fact, archaeologists have discovered ancient Roman amphora in Alicante. Due to the hardiness of Monastrell, and the harsh climate, agriculture in this region has outlasted many plagues, including oidium and phylloxera.
This south-eastern corner of Spain was always attractive to Jorge Ordóñez, who started Bodegas Volver ~ Alicante in 2009 with Rafael Cañizares after they had seen success with their project in La Mancha. Jorge was the pioneer in developing a market for Monastrell in the United States, and was the first person to introduce wines from Jumilla. His past projects in Jumilla were resoundingly successful.
Located in the town of Pinoso, the winery owns 185Ha. of mostly old vine Monastrell, the most important local indigenous variety, planted between 1925 and 1979. The vines are located high in the mountains surrounding Pinoso, in a very arid, extreme climate that is challenging for the vines, but produces distinctive, intense wines. Monastrell located in such arid climate regularly reaches 15-17% natural alcohol at the point of phenolic maturity, but the cold nights (caused by the high altitudes) provide balancing acidity. Additionally, Monastrell is a grape that retains incredible natural acidity at high levels of alcohol. The vineyards are planted in soils that are primarily dominated by chunks of pure chalk. The largest marble quarry in Europe is located near the vineyards, testament to the chalky quality of the soils. These soils add a drastic minerality and elegant chalky texture to the wines. All of the vines are dry farmed and head trained.
James Suckling 92 Great black fruit that is fully ripe without a hint of overripeness. This is a big, rich wine. Rather fine and generous
Wine Spectator 92 Dense and velvety, this red is packed with ripe blackberry, cocoa and toasty flavors, while black olive and mineral notes keep this balanced.
Wine Spectator 91 This bold red is intense and expressive. Cassis and blueberry flavors mingle with cola, cocoa and licorice notes. Chewy tannins and balsamic acidity
Wine Spectator 90 This plush red offers bold flavors of blackberry, currant, cocoa and espresso, with well-integrated tannins and sweet-tart acidity. Generous, fruity and fresh, in
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Spain » Valencian Community
Brilliant ruby color. In the nose crystallized fruit, sweet and subtly toasted spices thanks to the time spent in the barrel. Medium intensity in the
Multiple proprietary vineyards planted in the unique terroir of the subregion located between the Sierra de Salinas, Sierra de Umbria, and the Sierra de la
Appearance: Brilliant straw colour. Aroma: In the nose the scent of White flowers, fresh fruit and aromatic herbs. Mouth Feel: In the mouth it is
Vinous Media 92 "(aged for 22 months in new French oak barrels): Bright purple. Heady, expansive aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense and
Wine Spectator 94 "Expressive flavors of black cherry, mulled plum, dark chocolate, licorice and mineral mingle in this harmonious red. Offers a sleek texture and a
Wine advocate 92 "The 2012 Triga, which reached 15.5% alcohol because in their zone 2012 has been drier and warmer than 2011, is a blend of
"The southern outpost of the Bodegas Volver is located in the relatively obscure, but increasingly fashionable appellation of Alicante, where they own 457 acres
Wine advocate 93 "The opaque purple-colored 2010 Tarima Hill exhibits notes of chocolate fudge, pen ink, graphite, blueberries and blackberries. This full-bodied, 100% Monastrell should
Stephen Tanzer 92 "Opaque ruby. Heady, seductively perfumed aromas of dark berry liqueur, cherry-cola, Indian spices and candied violet, with a smoky mineral nuance adding vivacity.
Wine Advocate 91 "The 2011 Tarima Hill is made from old vine Mourvedre grown at a high elevation of 2,000-2,500 feet. Aged 20 months in French
Wine Advocate 92 "Lastly, the 2014 Tarima Hill, from Alicante, is also 100% Mourvèdre aged 20 months in French oak and from the oldest vines of
Wine Advocate 91 "From holdings in La Mancha, the 2011 Volver (100% Tempranillo that spent 18 months in new French oak prior to being bottled unfiltered)
Stephen Tanzer 91 "(all tempranillo; aged in new French oak for 18 months): Dark purple. Expressive dark berry preserve, vanilla and floral pastille aromas
"Bright violet color. Aromas of red berries, spices and dried flowers with a spicy note that is becomes pronounced as it breathes. Juicy in the
International Wine Cellar 91 "(100% tempranillo): Bright purple. Dark berries, cherry pit, licorice and tobacco on the nose. Slowly unfolds to offer sappy cassis and bitter
Wine Spectator 88 "There's raw intensity in this modern red, which offers assertive blackberry, espresso and anise flavors in a dense texture, with firm, chewy tannins.
Robert Parker 92 "The 2009 Tarima Hill reveals sumptuous aromas of camphor, sweet, smoky oak, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, and crushed rocks. Deep and full-bodied with
Vinous 91 "(made from vines that were planted between 1935 and 1970): Bright purple. An exotically perfumed bouquet displays scents of fresh black and blue fruits,
Wine Advocate 92 "The 2014 Volver Single Vineyard comes from a parcel of vines planted in 1957 called Finca Los Juncares. It is 100% Tempranillo aged
Wine Spectator 92 "This dense red delivers deep flavors of blackberry, currant, dark chocolate and tar, with muscular but well-integrated tannins and enough acidity to stay
Wine Spectator 92 WS TOP 100 2017 Rank 17 " This red shows grace and depth. Black cherry, plum, mineral and smoke flavors mingle harmoniously over well-integrated
