Wine with Leslie: Shining a spotlight on monastrell, Spain's dark, complex grape

I’m focusing on a native Spanish grape that is often overlooked and almost always good value — monastrell.

Pic: iStock

The grapes for 2024 are mostly picked and it has been a difficult year for many producers in Europe, especially France which will have its worst harvest in years. 

Spain, however, is looking at a bumper harvest this year up 20% and may overtake France as the world’s biggest producer.