2011 Molino Loco Monastrell

Along with Tempranillo, Monastrell is considered one of the workhorses of the Spanish viticultural landscape. Also commonly known as ‘Mataro’ or ‘Mourvedre’, the grape is a common denominator to many great wines in the world and reached its apogee when Fondillon (a rancio red wine made in the Solera system) was the most expensive wine you could procure in the 19th century. Since the 1990's, the varietal has enjoyed a revival, as modern winemaking has tamed Monastrell’s natural tendency towards "rusticity".

Bodegas Castano are at the forefront of this revival as owners of about 10% of the Yecla DOC in Southeastern Spain. They made the cultivation of Monastrell a priority as the varietal thrives on the elevated terroirs of Campo Arriba (800m) and Campo Abajo (400m), allowing for the production of a range of different styles. Molino Loco is the affectionate name for the windmill (‘molino’) that sits on the edge of the Castaño vineyards where the grapes are grown. In contrast to other windmills, which turn in windy conditions, this particular windmill is ‘loco’ (Spanish for crazy) as it turns only on calm, still days.

Hand picked from 50 year old Monastrell vines this wine displays an opaque dark red black colour with crimson red hue. The nose offers up youthful dark cherry and black plum aromas followed by some subtle liquorice, earth and spice. Medium weight and quite joosy the palate delivers generous flavours of blackberries and black plums followed by a touch of earth with a dry spicy finish. Fine grained soft tannins. Good length with medium to long blackberry, spicy black plum and earth aftertaste.
Drink over the next 2-3 years (2015-2016).
Alc 14.0%