2022 Colección de Toneles Centenarios Luis XIV Les Passeres

The Colección de Toneles Centenarios company was born from an extraordinary treasure: the barrel room of the Ferrero wineries, an old wine producing winery in Alicante, located in the city of Cañada, Alicante. There they found 25 old barrels that have been forgotten for more than 60 years. The barrels contained extremely old and also extremely expensive wines.

The family still has 25 hectares of vineyards, from which they resume the production of wines destined to produce Fondillón. Fondillon is a completely separate category of wine and is a sweet, undistilled wine made from extra ripe Monastrell grapes that are harvested later than normal, before being pressed, fermented with the skins and then aged in oak for at least ten years barrels. It is located in between a sherry and a port, but an important element is that the wine is not fortified, so it consists purely of the grapes.

The Fondillón comes from the Alicante region and has thus naturally reached its high alcohol content and belongs to one of the most important historical wines in Europe. It should only be made with 100% Monastrell grape from Alicante. The high natural alcohol value is achieved by ripening the grapes on the vine itself, which promotes both the highest levels of aromas and flavors of the Monastrell grape, produced by the solera system during the fermentation and aging process. Through this system, one portion of each barrel is tapped into the next when bottled, filling the decay with aged wine from the finest selection of Monastrell grape, Alicante's main variety. The production and aging is done with all the care and attention that is required by a noble wine.

The Fondillón was born in the former orchard of the city of Alicante and later spread to the neighboring area of ​​Vinalopó where it currently produces wines. It was one of the most prestigious wines in the world until the phylloxera crisis and industrialization led to the disappearance of many wineries. Fortunately, this wine is coming back all the way and there are a number of high-quality wine companies that supply this beautiful wine, with Colección de Toneles Centenarios being very much at the top. Especially with their Fondillón Luis XIV of more than 60 years old, but also the 25-year-old version are very beautiful with very high international ratings. They are pricy wines, especially given the very long maturation, but actually only a fraction compared to some Sauternes.

• Denomination of Origin Alicante.Monastrell grape
• Minimum of 10 years of aging and aging in oak barrels
• Minimum of 16º or natural alcohol, never added alcohol

Since the grapes remain on the bushes to dry in (as is done for example in Puglia at Primitvo and is called appassimento there, but is also in principle the same as an Amarone) it also has to cooperate again. When autumn sets in early and the rains start, the grape cannot build up the sugars to create the minimum natural 16% alcohol, so these wines can always be made in the good years, and every year again poses the question whether it will work. The final wine is always a Non Vintage and the barrels therefore contain the blend of various years.

The Alicante wine region, known as "Alicante DO" (Denominación de Origen), is situated in the southeastern part of Spain within the province of Alicante. This region is known for its viticulture, producing a variety of wines that reflect the area's unique climate and geography. The climate in the Alicante wine region is Mediterranean with arid tendencies. It features hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate is ideal for grape cultivation, with abundant sunshine and relatively low humidity. The landscape in the Alicante wine region is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and coastal plains. The vineyards are often planted on terraced slopes, making the most of the region's topography.

More information about Alicante

The Alicante DO is known for its red wine production. The primary grape variety cultivated in this region is Monastrell, which is also known as Mourvèdre in France. Monastrell grapes thrive in the warm, sunny climate of Alicante, producing wines with rich, full-bodied flavors and robust tannins. The Monastrell grape variety is used to produce a range of wine styles, from young and fruity reds to more complex and aged wines. Some of the common wine styles include Monastrell, Monastrell-Syrah blends, and sweet wines made from overripe Monastrell grapes. The region is also known for its dessert wines made using the Moscatel (Muscat) grape. The Alicante wine region has a rich history of winemaking dating back centuries. The Monastrell grape, in particular, has been cultivated in this region for a long time. The region's winemaking traditions have evolved to produce high-quality wines in modern facilities. Alicante offers several wine routes and tours that allow visitors to explore its vineyards and wineries. These tours provide a unique opportunity to taste the local wines and gain insight into the winemaking process.

 The region hosts wine festivals and events, such as wine fairs and celebrations, where locals and visitors can sample the diverse wines produced in Alicante. The wines produced in the Alicante DO are subject to strict regulations that ensure quality and authenticity. The DO classification guarantees that wines meet specific standards and are representative of the region. While Monastrell remains the dominant grape variety, the region has made efforts to modernize and experiment with different winemaking techniques. This has resulted in a growing reputation for high-quality, value-driven wines that cater to both domestic and international markets.

The Alicante wine region offers a diverse range of wines that capture the essence of the Mediterranean climate and landscape. Its wines are often appreciated for their full flavors, and they pair well with the region's cuisine and seafood. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or just a casual wine lover, a visit to the vineyards and bodegas (wineries) in Alicante can be a delightful experience.

What grapes are used in Alicante?

The Alicante wine region in Spain cultivates a variety of grape varieties to produce a range of wines, both red and white. Here's an overview of the key grape varieties used in Alicante:

Red Grape Varieties:

Monastrell (Mourvèdre): Monastrell is the dominant and most celebrated red grape variety in Alicante. It thrives in the region's warm and arid climate, producing wines with deep color, robust tannins, and flavors of dark fruits and spices.

Garnacha Tinta (Grenache): Garnacha Tinta is another important red grape variety in Alicante. It contributes to red wine blends, adding fruity and aromatic qualities to the wines.

Tempranillo: While not as common as Monastrell, Tempranillo is grown in some areas of Alicante. It's used in various red wine blends and can offer a different flavor profile.

White Grape Varieties:

Moscatel (Muscat): Moscatel is one of the primary white grape varieties in Alicante. It is widely used to produce sweet and aromatic wines, particularly dessert wines. These wines are known for their floral and fruity notes.

Merseguera: Merseguera is a traditional white grape variety in Alicante, known for producing fresh and crisp white wines. It's used both as a varietal wine and in blends.

Macabeo (Viura): Macabeo is another white grape variety that can be found in Alicante's vineyards. It's often used in the production of white wines, contributing to their acidity and freshness.

The most prominent grape in Alicante is undoubtedly Monastrell, which has adapted well to the region's climate and terroir. It's responsible for many of the region's high-quality red wines, while the sweet Moscatel wines are also highly regarded. These grape varieties showcase the diversity of wines produced in Alicante, from robust reds to aromatic whites and sweet dessert wines.

How about alicante's subregions?

Alicante, located in the southeastern part of Spain, has several subregions known for their unique terroirs and wine styles. Some of the notable subregions within the Alicante Denomination of Origin (DO) include:

La Marina: This subregion is located in the northern part of Alicante, close to the coast. It benefits from a Mediterranean climate influenced by the sea, which moderates temperatures. La Marina is known for its white wines, which are often made from Moscatel grapes. These wines tend to be aromatic and refreshing, making them suitable for warm weather.

Marina Alta: Situated in the northern part of the province, Marina Alta is known for its diverse wine production. In addition to Moscatel, it also cultivates red grape varieties such as Monastrell and Garnacha. The combination of coastal influences and mountainous terrain provides a unique microclimate for grape growing.

Marina Baixa: This subregion is located to the northeast of Alicante and is known for its varied vineyards. It has both coastal and inland areas, contributing to the diversity of wine styles. Marina Baixa produces red, white, and rosé wines, with a focus on Monastrell and Moscatel.

Alto Vinalopó: Located inland in the northern part of Alicante, Alto Vinalopó is characterized by its continental climate. The subregion primarily cultivates red grape varieties, particularly Monastrell. The wines from this area tend to be bold and full-bodied.

Vinalopó Medio: Situated in the central part of Alicante, this subregion is known for its red wines, particularly those made from Monastrell and Garnacha Tinta. The vineyards in Vinalopó Medio benefit from a semi-arid climate, which contributes to the concentration of flavors in the grapes.

Vinalopó Bajo: Located in the southern part of Alicante, Vinalopó Bajo is another subregion known for its red wine production, mainly featuring Monastrell. The area's warm climate and well-drained soils contribute to the ripeness and quality of the grapes.

These subregions within Alicante offer a diverse range of wines, showcasing the influence of climate, geography, and grape varieties on the final wine styles. From aromatic whites to bold reds, each subregion has something unique to offer to wine enthusiasts.

The Monastrell grape is a strong variety with a thick skin and also known as Mourvèdre. The Monastrell grape is called Mourvèdre in France and, in addition to the powerful wines of Bandol, it is also used there to give the best Châteauneuf-du-Papes more complexity and that soft-fleshed structure to bite into. The grape needs heat and humidity and is only convincing with an alcohol content of at least 12%. Young wine has a modest aroma, but the wine can acquire a so-called "admiring complexity" as it matures.

What does wine from the Monastrell grape taste like?

Monastrell grapes produce intensely fruity, fleshy, earthy, high-alcohol, balanced wines with aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, leather and spices. The wines also have beautiful, full-bodied tannins. These wines are an excellent combination with meat and game

Mourvèdre is a grape variety of Catalan origin, which is called mataro in Catalan, but is best known by the name monastrell. This grape is distinguished by its high-quality tannins that give red wine a long life. It needs heat and humidity and is only convincing at an alcohol content of at least 12%. Young wine has a modest aroma, but the wine can acquire a so-called "admiring complexity" as it matures.

What does wine from the Mourvedre grape taste like?

Mourvedre grapes produce intensely fruity, fleshy, earthy, high-alcoholic, balanced wines with aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, leather and spices. The wines also have beautiful, full-bodied tannins.