Castaño Casa Cisca 2017

Casa Cisca is a single-variety Monastrell from Bodegas Castaño in D.O. Yecla, in Murcia in south-east Spain, a producer that has led the region's move towards higher-quality reds. The grapes come from vines over forty years old planted at around 700 metres on limestone soils. The altitude tempers Yecla's hot, dry climate with cooler nights, so the old, low-yielding vines ripen the thick-skinned Monastrell fully while keeping enough freshness for balance. The wine is aged around sixteen months in American oak, whose slow oxygen exchange rounds the ripe tannins and adds vanilla, coconut and sweet spice that suit the grape's dark fruit. It is deep, near-opaque purple. The nose is intense, with ripe black plum and cherry, black pepper, dark chocolate and liquorice over a warm, earthy base. The palate is full and warming at 15 per cent, the tannins ripe and coating, the fruit generous, finishing long and spiced. This is a bold, sun-driven red with the concentration to age. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant ahead. Suited to rich roast and braised meats and game.