Artadi Viñedos De El Seque is a 100% old vine Monastrell red wine from Alicante, Spain, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored up to 95 points by James Suckling, this expression draws from nearly century-old organically farmed vines planted at 650 meters altitude in Pinoso—a combination of age and elevation that produces remarkable concentration and purity. Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Alicante, Spain | Old Vine Monastrell | Producer: Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi Production & Heritage Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi, renowned for their work in Rioja Alavesa, established their El Sequé estate in the high-altitude inland hills of Pinoso, Alicante. The Monastrell vines—some approaching 100 years old—are organically farmed on sandy and clay soils at roughly 600–650 meters elevation, where cool nights preserve acidity and slow ripening. After a 24- to 48-hour cold soak, the fruit ferments for 10–12 days in open-top stainless steel tanks with pigeage and pump-overs, then matures for 12 months in 500-liter oak barriques through malolactic fermentation. The larger barrel format tempers oak influence, allowing the grape's inherent character to lead. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with perfumed blackberry and baked plum, layered with lilac, licorice, and a mineral undertone of desert rock. Subtle underbrush and dried herb notes emerge as the wine breathes, adding complexity without heaviness. Taste: The palate entry is lush and plush, with concentrated blackberry and dark plum flavors. Mid-palate, mixed spices, chocolate, and savory leather notes develop, supported by bright acidity that lifts the wine's considerable weight. At its peak, a streak of minerality runs through the fruit, lending structure and preventing any sense of heaviness despite the wine's full body. Finish: Long and earthy, with fine-grained, velvety tannins that linger alongside hints of mint leaf and strawberry licorice. The overall impression is one of depth and refinement—powerful yet graceful. How to Drink El Seque Best served at 16–18°C (60–64°F) with 30 minutes of decanting to let the aromatics fully unfold. A classic Bordeaux-style glass with a generous bowl concentrates the perfumed nose. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try it in a Kalimotxo for a Spanish-rooted refresher with cola, a Sangria where the wine's dark fruit intensity holds up against citrus and brandy, or a red wine Spritz with sparkling water and a strip of orange peel to showcase its bright acidity. Best For Gifting a wine enthusiast who appreciates old vine character and Mediterranean reds Pairing with a weekend barbecue or slow-cooked meats Exploring Spanish Monastrell beyond the familiar Jumilla and Yecla regions Building a cellar with age-worthy wines from high-altitude vineyards Frequently Asked Questions What does El Seque taste like? El Seque delivers concentrated blackberry and baked plum with layers of spice, chocolate, and earthy leather, all carried by bright acidity and velvety tannins. It is full-bodied yet refined, with a long mineral-driven finish. How does El Seque compare to Bodegas Castaño Hecula Monastrell? Both are 100% Monastrell from southeastern Spain, but El Seque comes from significantly older vines (approaching 100 years) grown at higher altitude and is aged in larger-format oak, resulting in greater concentration and complexity. Hecula is a well-regarded entry-level Monastrell, while El Seque occupies a more premium, terroir-driven tier with consistently higher critic scores. Is El Seque good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—its balance of ripe fruit, firm structure, and lively acidity makes it an excellent wine to drink without food, especially after decanting for 30 minutes to allow the aromatics to open fully. Where is El Seque made? El Seque is produced by Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi at their estate in Pinoso, within the Alicante DO of southeastern Spain, where the vineyards sit at approximately 650 meters above sea level on sandy and clay soils. What foods pair well with El Seque? Slow-braised lamb shoulder, as the wine's earthy tannins complement rich, fatty meat; grilled chorizo, where smoky spice echoes the wine's own spice notes; aged Manchego cheese, whose nutty intensity matches the wine's concentration; roasted eggplant with romesco sauce for a Mediterranean vegetarian option; and dark chocolate desserts, which mirror the wine's cocoa undertones. What sizes does El Seque come in? El Seque is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle. Is El Seque worth the price? El Seque positions as a premium old vine Monastrell, priced above everyday Spanish reds but justified by its nearly century-old organically farmed vines, high-altitude terroir, and consistent critical acclaim in the 93–95 point range from publications like James Suckling and Wine Advocate. Why El Seque? What sets El Seque apart is the rare convergence of extreme vine age, high altitude, and the meticulous approach Artadi applies across all their projects. Where many Monastrell wines lean toward overripe jamminess, El Seque's 650-meter elevation preserves a natural acidity and freshness that keeps the wine vibrant and age-worthy. Scoring up to 95 points from James Suckling and earning multiple gold medals at international competitions, it has earned recognition as one of the finest expressions of Monastrell in Spain. For drinkers looking beyond mainstream Mourvèdre, this is a benchmark bottling that proves the grape's potential for elegance and complexity when grown in the right place by the right hands.
