2021 Casa Castillo Las Gravas

Its Origins

Considered by many to be the finest estate in Jumilla, Bodegas Casa Castillo is an unexpected discovery and a wonderful one. It is located on the plateau of this underrated wine region. José Maria Vicente is a third-generation owner and operator of Casa Castillo, his grandfather purchased the property in 1941. The original cellar and vineyard was built by Frenchmen fleeing the phylloxera plague in 1870. Jose María and his father replanted the whole property with native varietals in 1985 with the first vintage in 1991. They now have a 174-hectare vineyard which enjoys a high altitude of 400-800m, and the cooling influence of the Mediterranean. Lovers of Bandol wines should take note of Casa Castillo; the grape varieties they use are led by Monastrell (Mourvèdre). These are old bush vines that yield very small amounts of highly concentrated juice. Fermentations are in stainless steel tanks and concrete vats. Pigeage is done by foot, and whole clusters are increasingly used. Aging follows in concrete, foudre, and 500L French oak demi-muids. The wines are generally bottled unfiltered to allow them to be as expressive as possible, and they are an absolute bargain for the quality produced. This is an incredibly elegant, precise interpretation of Monastrell. Concentrating on freshness, acidity, length and structure (over alcohol, oak and dry extract). Their top wine Pie Franco (named after the un-grafted vines) is building a reputation as one of the greatest reds in Spain.