Country: Spain  Region: Murcia  Vintage: 2015 Varietal: 65% Monastrell , 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Garnacha Tintorera   Category: Red Wine  Color:  Red Producer: Familia Castaño "Based in Yecla, Familia Castaño is known for its huge efforts to promote one of Spain's native varieties, Monastrell. Castaño symbolises the best of what southern Spain has to offer: rich, warm climate wines, with almost Syrah-like complexity, which over deliver in terms of value year after year. Monastrell was once used exclusively for bulk wines and blending, but Castaño began bottling characterful, single varietal Monastrell in the 1980s. Today, in the expert hands of Daniel Castaño and his family, the variety maintains high quality even at moderate to generous yields. 80% of the family's 600 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to Monastrell, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo and Chardonnay. The Monastrell is sourced from non-irrigated bush and trellis vines up to 40 years old in the 'Las Gruesas' and 'Pozuelo' vineyards respectively. Totalling 90 hectares, the two vineyards are located at an altitude of 750 metres, with a north-south aspect, on sandy limestone soils. The 100% Monastrell 'Hécula' represents exceptional value for money. Displaying succulent ripe black fruit, notes of sweet spice and liquorice and supple ripe tannins, it will accompany any number of different foods. The 2013 'Colección', which includes 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, shows more red cherry and dried fruit character, with hints of smokiness and chocolate. The 'Dulce' is delicious, full of dried fig, raisin and plum jam flavours, with a rounded mouthfeel and balancing acidity that keeps the finish perfectly fresh."   Winemaker: Mariano López Vineyards: The Monastrell grapes are grown on non-irrigated bush and trellis vines in the Las Gruesas and Pozuelo vineyards respectively. The altitude of both vineyards is 750m above sea level and the vines have a North-South orientation with an average age of over 30 years. Soils here are limestone and the planting densities are 1,600 vines per hectare in Las Gruesas and 2,700 vines per hectare in Pozuelo. Vinification: The grapes were vinified traditionally and macerated for 10 days before fermentation at 28ºC. Malolactic fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, after which the wine was aged for 10 months in a combination of oak barrels, of which 80% were French, 20% were American and a third were new. Tasting Notes: A beautiful dark shiny red colour, it displays notes of graphite, acacia flowers, black raspberries, blueberries and blackcurrants. Full-bodied and intense on the palate with silky sweet tannins. Stunningly pure and textured. Food Suggestion: While fresh and fruity, the body and structure of this wine means it could stand up to meat dishes like roast lamb. Also a perfect match for regional dishes like paella and chorizo. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:14%