Bodegas Castaño at London International Wine Fair

I first came across Bodegas Castaño, from the small town of Yecla in eastern Spain, via a Laithwaites Mystery Case.

I was rather impressed with their Casa Virola Merlot, a grape which is little found in this part of the world (review here) where the indigenous Monastrell dominates.

That wine was not on show at the London International Wine Fair, but I was able to try a number of their others.

They were being shown by Castaño's UK importer, Liberty Wines and, sadly, there was no-one from the company there on the day to chat to, but here are my tasting notes of the three I tried.

Monastrell Rosado

Lots of fruit and richness - feels balanced and sensible.

Monastrell DO Yecla

Berry fruit with hints of pepper and liquorice, some toastiness; light but well-made and balanced, a good easy drinker.

Molino Loco Monastrell DO Yecla

Vanilla, liquorice and berry fruit, a light and soft quaffer.

Recommended wine

I can't really pick any one wine as a stand-out; they are all pleasant quaffers which manage to be both interesting and sensible, but as it's summer I recommend the Rosado.

Suggested retail prices of £7 - £8 seem a little high for such everyday wines, but perhaps that's Euro-parity for you these days.

Bodegas Castaño Monastrell Rosado, rrp £7.99

The Casa Virola Merlot is available at Laithwaites.

Links

Bodegas Castano - http://www.bodegascastano.com/

Liberty Wines - http://www.libertywine.co.uk/index.aspx