Origin
Based in Yecla, Bodegas Castaño is known for its prolonged efforts to promote one of Spain’s native varieties, Monastrell – which accounts for 80% of the family’s 410 hectares of vineyards. This variety is the Spanish name for the “Mourvèdre” grape used especially in the blend of many Châteauneuf-du-Papes. The name Monastrell relates to its original cultivation in Catalonian monasteries.
The Monastrell is sourced from non-irrigated, bush vines of 40 years average age in the ‘Las Gruesas’ and ‘Pozuelo’ vineyards of Yecla in South East Spain. The two vineyards are located at an altitude of 750m, with a north-south aspect, on sandy limestone soils.
Producer
Established by Ramón Castaño – continuing a family history of viticulture – the estate only started bottling wine 30 years after its initiation, in 1980. Now joined by his three sons: Juan, Pedro and Daniel, the estate is bringing a fresh, contemporary face to Spanish wine production. Meanwhile, Castaño have diversified production with 25 hectares of olive groves – another mainstay of Spanish agriculture.
Castaño helped seed the beginnings of a renaissance of the Monastrell grape variety in Spain, although the variety has been in country for centuries. Today, the estate is nationally and internationally recognised, whilst the Monastrell grape continues to grow in popularity. The regions of Yecla and Jumilla, for example, are seen as benchmark areas for this grape.
Grape Variety
100% Monastrell.
Dulce is made by halting fermentation at 5-7% abv to retain residual sugar.
Food Match
Works really well with the cheese board and will even take on most chocolate puddings. Otherwise works very well with sticky toffee pudding and the traditional pudding at Christmas. Otherwise, just delicious to sip on its own after dinner.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Alcohol Percentage
16%
ryanbrady1981 –
This wine is rich, dark, sweet, spiced with a beautiful balance and freshness. If you’re partial to a glass of port or sherry, then try this one. Went superbly well with cream desserts.