Bodegas Castano, Monastrell 2012, Spain
Though coming from Yecla in the south of Spain, this reminds me of a baby Priorat. It’s not Garnacha (Grenache), but another southern Rhone variety called Monastrell (Mourvedre) and it comes from similar vineyards of old, unirrigated bush vines grown at 700 metres altitude. On the nose it is as much about spices and light, ashy earthiness as it is the red and black fruits that are also in the mix. On the palate it is medium-bodied and savoury, the tannins fairly rustic and grippy, and the whole picture edged with acidity. It does not show the concentration and extract that one might experience in a top Priorat, but it does have savoury finesse, an authentic feel and a good, spicy, food-friendly finish. For more information and food matching suggestions, please watch the video. 7.00 or so, see all stockists on .
