Castaño Colección Cepas Viejas 2019

Bodegas Castano is a leading name in Yecla, in the Murcia hills of south-east Spain, and this Coleccion Cepas Viejas comes from old vines. The blend is Monastrell at seventy per cent with Cabernet Sauvignon at thirty. The vineyards sit at 750 metres, high enough for the cold nights of the continental Mediterranean climate to slow ripening and hold acidity, while dry summers concentrate the fruit; the Monastrell is grown as low bush vines and the Cabernet on trellises. Monastrell is a thick-skinned, late-ripening variety that gives colour, tannin and dark, spiced fruit, and Cabernet adds firmer structure and a herbal edge. Ten months in French oak knits the tannins and lends spice and a light toast. The colour is deep, almost opaque purple. The nose is ripe plum and black cherry, with black pepper, dark chocolate, dried herbs and liquorice. The palate is full and ripe, the tannins substantial but rounded, closing on a warm, savoury finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour ahead. It suits grilled and roasted red meat and aged cheese.