Country: Spain Region: Yecla Varietal: 100% Monastrell Vintage: 2020 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Castaño Estate VINTAGE2019 was hot and dry, in contrast to the previous year, with fewsignificant weather events to cause concern. Some wet andwindy conditions during flowering kept yields naturally to a modestlevel, followed by an early summer heatwave. Much welcomedSeptember rain proved beneficial as harvest approached,allowing steady vine development. Harvest lasted well intoOctober with favourable weather allowing them to bring in theirfruit gradually and at the optimum ripeness. Grapes were healthywith modest bunch weights, boding well for intense colour andflavour.PRODUCERMolinico Loco is made by the Castaño family in Yecla and takes itsname from the windmill ('molino') that sits on the edge of thevineyards where they produce their fruit. In contrast to otherwindmills, which turn in windy conditions, this particular windmill is"loco", the Spanish for crazy, as it turns only on calm, still days.VINEYARDSThe vineyards are located at an altitude of 500 metres above sealevel. They are dry-farmed and the clay soil is poor, meaning thatthe roots of the vines grow deep into the earth in their search forminerals and nutrients. This helps to ensure healthy, ripe andconcentrated fruit. The Monastrell vineyards are over 18 years old,while the Syrah vines are slightly younger, averaging around 15years.VINIFICATIONThe grapes were gently crushed before being fermented andmacerated on their skins for 10 days at a controlled temperatureof 24-26ºC in stainless-steel tanks. After fermentation the wine wasaged very briefly in oak, softening the tannins. The delicate grapeprocessing preserved the natural purity of fruit and freshness that istypical of Molinico Loco's style.TASTING NOTESThis wine is a beautiful, deep ruby colour, with purple hues on therim. On the nose, it shows elegant ripe red plum and cherry notes.The palate is well structured, with supple tannins leading to avibrant, fruit-driven finish.