Casa Castillo Monastrell 2024

Casa Castillo is a Jumilla estate in Murcia run by José María Vicente, who took over the family vineyard in the 1990s and has spent three decades refining a fresher, more fluid expression of Monastrell. The grapes are grown organically on the warm, dry hills of the southeast, where poor limestone soils and old vines naturally limit yields and concentrate the fruit. The hot days are tempered by altitude and cool nights, which keeps acidity in a grape that can otherwise turn jammy. After fermentation the wine ages 12 months in French and American oak barrels, the older wood and measured oxygen exchange softening Monastrell's robust tannin while adding subtle spice. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe red fruits, strawberry and cherry, lifted by wild thyme and rosemary from the surrounding garrigue, with pepper and a hint of liquorice. The palate is full and juicy, with ripe but firm tannin and an earthy, mineral grip drawn from the stony soils. The finish is long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. It suits grilled lamb, roast pork and stews.