There are some wines that ask for a special occasion, and then there are those that quietly elevate an ordinary evening at home. Bacanísimo Monastrell falls beautifully into the second category. We recently opened a bottle to accompany grilled steak and a fresh Caprese salad, and it turned an already delicious dinner into one we'll happily repeat.
Made from Spain's beloved Monastrell grape (known as Mourvèdre in France), this wine offered a wonderfully inviting nose filled with aromas of ripe plum, cracked black pepper, and delicate violets. The first sip revealed soft, approachable tannins that made it easy to enjoy, while the long, lingering finish encouraged us to slow down and savor each bite and sip. It's a wine with enough structure to complement a hearty steak, yet enough elegance to allow the fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy mozzarella of the Caprese salad to shine.
What I appreciated most was its balance. The savory notes from the steak highlighted the wine's dark fruit character, while the acidity of the tomatoes refreshed the palate between bites. If you're looking for a red that's full of character without being overpowering, Bacanísimo Monastrell is a wonderful choice. It's the kind of bottle that reminds us some of the best evenings don't require a celebration—just good food, good wine, and someone to enjoy them with.
Wine Pairing Notes
Wine: Bacanísimo Monastrell (Spain)
Aromas
- Ripe plum
- Black pepper
- Violets
Palate
- Soft tannins
- Medium to full body
- Smooth, long finish
Perfect Pairings
- Grilled ribeye or New York strip steak
- Caprese salad skewers (a play off this sandwich)
- Grilled lamb
- Manchego cheese
- Roasted vegetables
- Charcuterie with cured meats
Around Our Table
One of my favorite traditions is choosing a wine that invites us to linger a little longer around the dinner table. This Monastrell did exactly that. Between bites of perfectly grilled steak, fresh basil from the garden, and conversation that stretched well past sunset, it reminded me that a memorable meal is about much more than what's on the plate—it's about creating time to gather, savor, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Be sure to check out the rest of the Wine Pairing Weekend articles on the Spanish Wine Pairings for Summer theme:
- Culinary Cam will be sharing "An Iberian Peninsula Pairing: Bife à Portuguesa + Bodegas Shaya Habis Verdejo Old Vines 2019"
- Wendy from A Day in the Life on the Farm is pairing "La Cantera Reserva and Ribs with a Tempranillo Glaze"
- Terri from A Good Life wrote about "Bacanísimo Monastrell: A Bold Spanish Red Worth Sharing"
- David from Cooking Chat is sharing "Grilled Paprika Pork Chops with Spanish Wine Pairings".
Check out the articles and follow the conversation on social media with the hashtag #winePW!
Monastrell is a favorite. Always. Salud, Terri.
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