Bodegas Castaño Solanera Viñas Viejas Monastrell Yecla DO

Yecla DO, Spain

Premium selection from oldest Monastrell vines at highest elevation (800m); Castaño's flagship. Very concentrated and structured: black cherry, dark chocolate, tobacco, iron mineral, and dried Mediterranean herbs. 18 months in French oak (40% new). The wine that proved Yecla Monastrell belongs among Spain's great reds. Exceptional quality-to-price ratio.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Solanera's concentration and wild herb complexity are perfectly matched to gamey wild boar with citrus and olive
• main: Premium Monastrell with Ibérico pork; the wine's iron mineral and dark cherry stand beside the finest Spanish meat
• dessert: Solanera's dark chocolate and concentration bridge the bitter-sweet fondant; olive oil ice cream echoes Mediterranean character