2022 Hecula' Organic Monastrell, Castano

Rich, warming and full of Mediterranean soul, Hécula opens with generous aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and damson, lifted by notes of wild herbs, sweet spice and a touch of smoky earth. The palate is broad and satisfying, delivering dark fruit depth wrapped in ripe, grippy tannins and balanced by a fresh, sun-baked savoury edge. Despite the warmth of the style, there’s clarity and control throughout, finishing long with notes of liquorice, spice and gentle cocoa.

For when: the food is bold, the table is crowded, and nobody’s counting the glasses.
Pairs with: grilled meats, slow-cooked lamb, rich vegetable stews, or smoky barbecue dishes.
If this wine were… a long Mediterranean lunch that quietly turns into dinner.

Bodegas Castaño is a family-owned estate based in Yecla, southeastern Spain, a region renowned for old-vine Monastrell and intense continental sunshine tempered by altitude. A pioneer of organic and sustainable viticulture in the area, the Castaño family has championed Monastrell for generations, focusing on balance rather than excess. Hécula is sourced from organically farmed vineyards at elevation, where poor limestone soils and low yields produce concentrated yet expressive fruit. Thoughtful oak ageing adds polish without overpowering the wine’s natural warmth, resulting in a modern, organic Monastrell that feels both generous and grounded.