Bodegas Castaño Hécula 2006

Yecla, Spain
$16-18  +583690  available at BC Liquor Stores and select private liquor stores
www.bodegascastano.com

Yecla is located in the hot and dry southeast of Spain, a region that, until recently, was a soup of bulk wine production. Fortunately, adventuresome and innovative producers like Bodegas Castaño have introduced modern vinification techniques to the area, and aimed attention on the deep, brambly and structured Monastrell grape, indigenous to Mediterranean Spain. Heralded for its drought-resistance, Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre en Français) is well suited to the dry and rugged terroir, shining when yields are low and vines are well established. There are approximately 120,000 hectares of Monastrell in the world. 50,000 ha of them are located in Spain and around 300 hectares belong to Bodegas Castaño.

Castaño produce numerous wines, all of which are terrific value (even on this market!). Like Hécula – old vine, high altitude Monastrell, transformed into a deep, purple inky hue. Blueberry, anise and ripe blackberry aromas jump from the glass. The spicy, medium++ palate has layers of dark fruit, violets and savoury spice, with a concentrated, blackberry bush finish. Supple and positively rustic, this would well suit Barbacoa (barbecue) and Iberico jamon (ham from acorn-fed black pigs).

*It was announced today that Bodegas Castano is rolling out all new labels, so watch for them to hit our shelves in the coming months.

Since the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival starts in less than 2 weeks, and Spain is the theme region, DRINK will be profiling exclusively Spanish wines leading up to the main event. Watch for tweets, postings, photos, tasting notes and features posted from the week-long festival. There are still tickets available to some events.

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Bodegas Castaño Hécula 2006

Hécula is old vine, high altitude Monastrell, transformed into a deep, purple inky hue. Blueberry, anise and ripe blackberry aromas jump from the glass. The spicy, medium++ palate has layers of dark fruit, violets and savoury spice, with a concentrated, blackberry bush finish. Supple and positively rustic, this would well suit Barbacoa (barbecue) andIberico jamon (ham from acorn-fed black pigs).