Hécula Organic 2023

Hécula is a monovarietal Monastrell from D.O. Yecla in Murcia, made by Bodegas Castaño, one of the leading wineries of southeast Spain. The grapes grow at 750 metres in the estate's Las Gruesas and Pozuelo vineyards, on vines averaging 40 years old planted at a low density of around 1,600 vines per hectare with a restrained yield. Altitude is the key to this wine. The warm Murcian days ripen Monastrell fully while the cooler nights at elevation preserve acidity and freshness, giving ripe fruit without heaviness. The harvest finishes in October. After fermentation the wine spends six months in French oak, enough to round the naturally firm Monastrell tannins and add a layer of spice and smoke while keeping the fruit to the fore. The colour is intense cherry red with violet flecks and a youthful look. The nose is ripe and warm, with plum, dark berries, black pepper and clove over an earthy base. The palate is full and generous, with ripe tannin and a savoury, spiced finish. It is vegan. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees. Good with grilled lamb, braised beef or a spiced tagine.