Bodegas Castano, leader in Monastrell grape wines

Bodegas Castano, leader in Monastrell grape wines

By Alfredo de la Casa

Bodegas Castano is a third generation family run winery located in Murcia province in the South East of Spain.

Regardless of being just a 70 kilometres away from the Mediterranean sea, the area of Yecla where Castano vineyards are, enjoys a dry continental climate, characterised by very cold winters and very hot summers, with vineyards located 700 metres above sea level. This is perfect climate to produce great wines, and Bodegas Castano is a great example of producing exceptional wines.

Castano family have been pioneers in making wines using Monastrel grapes, in fact when you mention Monastrel wines in Spain most people associate them with Bodegas Castano, producing such high quality wines that they export 80% of their production.

The family started producing wines in the 70’s which they used to sell wholesale, to later on start making quality wines in the 80’s and gaining their international reputation in the more than 42 countries they export to.

Their vines don’t see any artificial irrigation, leading to better maturation and better quality of the grapes. With six different wine lines, all their wines offer great value for money.

The winery is currently run by the three brothers who also cultivate olive trees making exceptional olive oil.

I had the chance of meeting Mr Daniel Castano, who is very proud of his wines, not surprising considering the large amount of prizes won and high scores earned by even some of their medium range wines. For him, working close to their markets and customers is the secret of their success, the key is having a good

connection with them, listening and acting on advice.

You can enjoy many of Bodegas Castano’s wines at Vino. Just to name two of them, if you are after something refreshing, delicate and full of fruit, try the Castano Rosado, and for something full bodied, and one of my favourites with 91 Parker points and a great price, try Hecula.