Casa Castillo El Molar 2023

Casa Castillo El Molar is made by Finca Casa Castillo in the D.O. Jumilla in Murcia, a varietal Garnacha from trellised vines on the upland slopes of the Sierra del Molar. The climate is both continental and Mediterranean, and the vineyards, planted in 2005 on calcareous soils, sit high enough that the cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic lift in a warm region. Alcoholic fermentation runs for about two weeks at 30 degrees in underground open vats, after which the wine is aged for twelve months in large oak foudres. The big format barrels allow slow, gentle oxygen exchange that softens the tannins and rounds the texture while leaving the fruit and the limestone driven minerality to lead, with little overt oak flavour. The result is a deep cherry red with a youthful garnet rim, showing candied red fruit, ripe cherry and plum on the nose, edged by black pepper, dried herbs and liquorice. The palate is full bodied and warming at 15 per cent, with ripe tannins, a savoury, stony core and a long finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast and grilled meats.