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We had a bottle of this in the weekend and it was truely outstanding. Casa Castillo in the region of Jumilla is a property that has been producing wine since 1874. This tradition continued with a winery built by a French company in 1910 when phylloxera forced them out of their vineyards in France. Jumilla is one of the few places in Spain that has successfully resisted the infestation of phylloxera, hence making it an ideal place for this new winery. Like many Rhone wine merchants, they were interested in Monastrell (Mourvedre) based wine and this is 100% Mourvedre.
The Roch family acquired the property in 1941. Julia Roch and her grandson, Jose Maria Vicente, have been recovering the artisanal origins of this estate, making significant strides in the integrity and quality of winemaking.
The Mourvedre grape likes warmer climates, but has tight bunches so enjoys the cool winds commonly found in areas where it grows best. Spicy and gamey are typical terms related to Mourvedre. It's rarely bottled as a single variety, but some parts of Spain and California have been successful cultivating the grape for its own wines - the results are delicious. "Bright red. Spicy strawberry and raspberry aromas are sharpened by white pepper and rose. Fresh red fruits on the palate, with light tannins and a sweet, nicely focused finish. I like the brightness and energy here." Tanzer. Again a consistent performer that we have brought in for a number of years.
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