Based in Yecla, Murcia, Familia Castaño is known for its huge efforts to promote one of Spain’s native varieties: Monastrell. Familia Castaño embodies the best of what southern Spain has to offer, producing rich, warm-climate wines, with almost Syrah-like complexity, which overdeliver in terms of value year after year. Castaño began bottling characterful, single-varietal Monastrell in the 1980s when the variety was used exclusively for bulk wines and blending.

80% of the family’s 600 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to Monastrell, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo and Chardonnay among others. The Monastrell is sourced from dry-farmed, bush and trellised vines, up to 70 years old, in the ‘Las Gruesas’ and ‘Pozuelo’ vineyards. Totalling 336 hectares, the two vineyards sit at an elevation of 750 metres, with a north-south aspect, on sandy limestone soils.

This wine is deep ruby in colour. Aromas of ripe black cherry, plum and liquorice emerge on the nose. Supple mouthfeel and velvety tannins give way to a juicy, fruit-forward finish.