Castaño

The Castaño family
Bodegas Castaño has quickly become the quality leader in the newly rediscovered apellation of Yecla. Yecla is located in the south-eastern side of Spain, next to Jumilla and Allicante. Like its neighbors, the warm climate of Yecla is perfect for the growing of the Monastrell grape (Mourvèdre). Fortunately, much of the appellation was spared the wrath of Phylloxera, and extremely old, ungrafted vines of Monastrell remain offering amazing potential for quality, while still at amazingly affordable prices.

It has not been an easy task for the Castaños. In the 19th century, nearly everyone in Yecla was making wine, but today, just three bodegas survive (one of them is the town co-op). The fourth and fifth generations of the family are now mapping out the future with Ramón Castaño at the helm, placing the utmost emphasis on producing quality wine.

The family's holdings now cover 350 hectares (770 acres) in Yecla, spread out over three sub-zones of the appellation (Las Gruesas, Espinal and Pozuelo). The average elevation of the vineyards is between 300 and 700 meters. Their soils are composed of varying amounts of limestone and clay, so the grapes naturally retain their acidity as they mature.The diversity of climate and soils allows for varying styles of Monastrell that form the basis for the different cuvees produced at the estate.

Currently Monastrell comprises 80% of the 350 hectares under Castaño's production, and the remaining 20% is devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Tempranillo, Merlot and Syrah for red wine and Macabeo and Chardonnay for whites.

The Bodega has made significant investments in the cellars over the last several years to improve the quality of their vinification. This includes temperature-comtrolled fermentation tanks and a cellar that holds 1300 barrels of both French and American oak.

Of the three Castaño wines that we represent, the Tinto Monastrell and Hecula are both made from 100% Monastrell (the latter from 40+-year-old vines), while Solanera is blended from Castaño's oldest Monastrell along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Garnacha Tintorera.

Castaño Tinto Monastrell 2008
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This cuvée from Castaño is made from 100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre), sourced from three non-irrigated vineyard sites in Campo Arriba. The vineyards are located at altitudes of 750-850 meters, are composed of limestone soils, and have vines at an average age of 30 years. The wine is fermented and aged in 100% stainless steel.

It is released young and is meant to be an easy drinking, everyday wine. It has a bright, fresh raspberry bouquet with dense, textured, cherry flavors on the palate. It is well structured with supple, integrated tannins. This wine is a great match to simple, bistro-style fare but has enough body to hold up to hearty dishes including beef, game, and strong cheeses.

Snapshot
Country Spain
Region Yecla
Appellation Yecla
Color Red
Still / Sparkling Still
Special Features Unfined, unfiltered
Bottle Size Full Bottle (750 ml)
Varieties 100% Monastrell
Wood Treatment 100% Stainless steel tank



Ratings

International Wine Cellar
Josh Raynolds
88 Points
Dark purple. Luscious blackberry and blueberry aromas are at once expansive and precise, with sexy floral and spice qualities adding complexity. Juicy dark fruit flavors deliver a sexy wallop of sweetness, with no rough edges or animal, earth or herbal character. This very fresh wine finishes with impressive cling and length. And the price is unreal.

The Wine Advocate
Jay Miller
90 Points
(No tasting note was given.)
eRobertParker.com: Issue #175, Feb 2008