It’s natural for the name to catch you off guard the first time you hear it.
Everything begins with the man who gave the vineyard its name: Tío Veneno. That’s what everyone in town called him. He was a serious man, rough around the edges. But what truly defined him was his absolute devotion to these old vines. He cared for them as if they were part of his own family. When we inherited this plot, we felt his spirit was still there, among the twisted trunks and pale soils. That’s why we decided to honor him by giving his name to the wine born from this very special place.
The plot sits on one of the highest points of Alto Vinalopó, at 650 meters above sea level, with 60‑year‑old bush‑trained vines grown dry‑farmed on sandy loam soils with caliche, a limestone rock that retains moisture in this warm, bright climate. The altitude brings the freshness that balances the Mediterranean intensity so characteristic of our region.
In the winery we follow the same philosophy as always: great delicacy and minimal intervention. We press gently to preserve fruit and floral notes, ferment with 30% whole clusters, and age the wine in 500‑liter Allier French oak barrels—new, one, two, and three‑year‑old—barrels that accompany the wine without overpowering it.
The 2024 vintage has been especially generous. Cool nights and slow ripening allowed us to harvest impeccable Monastrell, and we sincerely believe it is one of the most elegant versions of El Veneno we have ever made. A beautifully balanced wine, with a juiciness that shows from the very first sip. Aromas of pine, lavender, and balsamic notes appear clearly, supported by natural fruit freshness and a lovely structure. Monastrell is precisely the key to that harmony between Mediterranean depth and mountain freshness.
Recent scores for El Veneno 2024 have been outstanding. We are very proud of how this vintage has been received.
- 95 points – Guía Peñín
- 94 points – Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
- 18/20 points – Jancis Robinson
In the glass, El Veneno pairs naturally with flavorful Mediterranean dishes: meats like lamb, suckling pig, or duck; surf‑and‑turf combinations such as bluefin tuna or grilled octopus; traditional rice dishes and stews; aged sheep cheeses; and roasted vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms. All of them enhance its freshness, character, and fruit‑driven heart, creating a pairing as authentic as the wine itself.
A wine for pure enjoyment. Cheers.
