Castaño Monastrell Ecológico 2024

Castano Monastrell Ecologico is an organic red from D.O. Yecla in Murcia, made entirely from Monastrell, the region's signature and most planted variety. The vines, under twenty five years old, grow at around 750 metres on chalky, stony soils, trained as low bush vines with short pruning at a low density of about 1,600 vines per hectare. That altitude is key in a warm region: cool nights preserve freshness and colour while the hot, dry days ripen the thick skinned Monastrell to its full, plummy depth. The chalk and stone drain freely and keep yields low near 3,500kg per hectare, concentrating the fruit. The wine is made for early drinking, fermented and bottled without oak ageing, so the focus stays on pure, unframed fruit and the variety's natural structure. The colour is dense, youthful purple. The nose shows ripe plum and red berries over black pepper, liquorice and the wild, scrubby herbs of the Murcian hills. The palate is full bodied and warming, with ripe, slightly rustic tannin and a savoury, earthy finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, lightly cool to lift the fruit. It suits grilled lamb and barbecued meats.