"Coming from such a dry, sun-drenched area with no irrigation, these wines surprise for their freshness. Lots of forest notes on the nose and palate together with ripe and acid fruits (blueberries, sloes). Finely integrated tannins. A delicious, great value red."

--------THE PRODUCER--------

Bodegas Casa Castillo

Although officially founded in 1991, Casa Castillo lies on the grounds of an old farming estate which incorporated a winery built by the French in 1870. The Vicente family has successfully managed to get the best out of the vines, all of them exposed to extreme heat in non-irrigated land.

Located on the slopes of Sierra del Molar at an elevation of up to 760 metres, the property occupies 405 hectares, 170 of which are under vine. The rest is planted with almond and olive trees, which grow among pine trees and scrubland.

The past years have seen changes under the leadership of José María Vicente. Tempranillo and Cabernet plantings, valued for their quality and considered indispensable in the 1990s, have been removed to give way to late ripening Mediterranean varieties, which can be harvested in September and October. Their focus is to make silkier and fresher wines.

Monastrell represents 80% of the vines, followed by Garnacha (12%), which has no tradition in the area but has adapted well to Casa Castillo’s climate and soils, and Syrah (8%). Soils are limestone and/or sand and gravelly at higher altitudes. New plantings favour higher density plantings with around 3,000 vines per hectare compared to 1,600 in traditional vineyards, yet total yields remain more or less the same; the aim now is to achieve lower yields per vine.
Except for the basic Casa Castillo Monastrell, the wines are fermented in epoxy-coated stone tanks with variable amounts of whole bunches depending on vintage variations. Ageing takes place in 500-litre casks and foudres which can be kept up to a sixth use or even longer.

--------THE GRAPE--------

Mourvèdre/Monastrell

Mourvèdre is the third grape in the famous Rhone Red Blend; GSM, that is so often replicated across the globe - most notably in Australia (where it is also known as Mataro). Whilst it is usually seen as a blend with Grenache and Syrah in France, it is made as a stunning single varietal wine in Bandol in the south of France as well as a rosé wine. It goes by the name of Monastrell in Spain where it produces rich red wines in the regions of Yecla and Jumilla.

--------THE REGION--------

Jumilla

Jumilla is a region in the southeast of Spain in what is called 'The Levante'. Jumilla's production is typified by full-bodied red wines. The leading grape varietal that makes up Jumilla's speciality is Monastrell. It produces wines that are full in body and have rich, ripe black fruit flavours.

Optional Search Filters

Limit Search To

Product Type

Wine Grape and/or Blends

Why not refine your search?

Limit Search To

Product Type

Wine Grape and/or Blends