Familia Castaño, Organic Rosado

PRODUCER

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-variety Monastrell in the 1980s when the variety was used exclusively for bulk wines and blending. Today, in the expert hands of Daniel Castaño and his family, the variety maintains high quality even at moderate to generous yields. 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.

The 100% Monastrell ‘Hécula’ represents exceptional value for money. Certified organic it displays succulent ripe black fruit, notes of sweet spice and liquorice and supple ripe tannins. The ‘Colección’, made from 70% old-vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, shows more red cherry and dried fruit, with hints of smokiness and chocolate. The Organic Macabeo, Monastrell Rosado and Monastrell are some of Spain’s best value organic wines and are now available in sustainable five-litre ‘Bag in Box’. Made for early drinking, they are fresh and elegant thanks to the vineyard’s elevation of 500-700 metres. The ‘Dulce’ is delicious, full of dried fig, raisin and plum jam flavours, with a rounded mouthfeel and balanced acidity that keeps the finish fresh.

VINEYARDS

The bush trained vines are grown on organic plots of limestone 550-750 metres above sea level. Dry, sunny weather and specific soil conditions here give little chance for mould or pests to thrive, allowing a pesticide-free and agrochemical-free crop every year. The average age of the vines is over 30 years old which are planted at a density of 1,600 vines per hectare.

VINTAGE

The growing season began with heavy rains in autumn which developed much needed water reserves following a very dry vintage. Winter and spring were very dry which did lead to reduced yields, however heavy rains at the start of June helped the vines get through the summer months without any more issues. Temperatures in summer were fairly mild for the region, and cool nights allowed the fruit to ripen beautifully. Massive rainfall occurred in September causing flooding in some plots, but largely provided great benefits to the vines and the soil. The quality of the fruit at harvest was very good.

VINIFICATION

The organic Monastrell grapes were harvested at night to take advantage of the cool temperatures and preserve the aromatics. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were lightly pressed and went straight to fermentation for 15 days. After fermentation, the wine remained in stainless steel tanks until bottling, to retain the wine's purity of fruit.

TASTING NOTES & TECHNICAL DETAILS

Delicate, pale pink in colour, this wine shows fruity aromas of peach, raspberry and apricot, with hints of dried fruit. On the palate the wine is juicy and fresh.