Casa Castillo Valtosca 2024

Valtosca is a single-estate Syrah from Finca Casa Castillo in D.O. Jumilla, in Murcia. The vines grow on one estate of sandy-loam soils over a limestone base, free-draining ground that keeps yields low and concentrates the fruit. Jumilla is hot and dry, so Syrah ripens deeply here, while the limestone and the cooling night air help retain acidity and the peppery, savoury edge that marks the variety. The grapes are cold macerated for five days in underground presses, a slow cool soak that draws colour and aroma from the skins before fermentation begins, then fermented in new 500-litre French oak barrels. The larger barrel gives a gentler oak influence than a standard cask, and ageing runs nine months in new French oak, settling the tannins and adding spice without masking the fruit. The colour is deep purple. The nose shows ripe plum and blackberry over black pepper, smoke and dried herbs. The palate is full bodied and intense, the tannins ripe, the fruit warm and the finish long and savoury. Farmed under respectful agriculture. Serve at 17C and decant. Pairs with grilled lamb and game.