Castaño Ecologico Organic Monastrell 2019

The heat in eastern Spain’s tiny Yecla DO is the perfect environment for organic Monastrell grapes. Dry sunny days, poor soils and little summer rain provide ideal conditions for organic growing. This wine is from Bodega Castaño, whose vineyards can be found high up, at 750m above sea level. Spanish expert Jan Read rates them as the finest cellar in Yecla. You may know the Monastrell grape – it goes by another name in France – Mourvèdre. There it’s used in prestigious southern Rhône blends and in Provence's pricy Bandol. Grown under the Spanish sun it produces fresh black cherry and plum aromas, while remaining supple and velvety. Try this as a partner to pizza or pasta with a rich tomato sauce, or even fish such as grilled sardines.