Castano Solanera Yecla 2010

Winery: Castano

Varietal: Mourvedre

The Mourvèdre grape varietal is today grown all over the Old and New World, and is thought to have originally been brought to Spain by ancient Phoenicians over two thousand years ago. They are not the simplest of varietals to cultivate, and often wineries struggle with Mourvèdre, as they require both heat and moisture, and as such need to grow in well irrigated vineyards in hot regions. However, the resulting wines made from Mourvèdre grapes are usually fascinating and delicious, carrying interesting flavors that are often described as darkly meaty, with plenty of blackberry and other dark berry notes. The wines are often quite tannic and high in alcohol and acid, and as such, it is very common for Mourvèdre to be blended with Grenach and Syrah varietals in order to make superbly balanced wines.

Country: Spain

Ever since the Phoenicians and Romans brought their knowledge of vine cultivation to Spanish soils, the country's culture has grown alongside wine production, with wine being a vital part of Spanish identity and Spanish traditions. Each region of Spain has a wine quite distinct from the others, and it is produced by smallholders and families as much as it is by large companies and established wineries. From the relatively mild and lush regions of La Rioja to the arid plateaus that surround Madrid, grapes are grown in abundance for the now booming Spanish wine industry, and new laws and regulations have recently been put in place to keep the country's standards high. By combining traditional practices with modern technology, Spanish wineries are continuing to produce distinctive wines of great character, flavor and aroma, with the focus shifting in recent decades to quality over quantity.