Molinico Loco, Macabeo, Spain

Description

Molinico Loco Macabeo is made by Familia Castaño. They are known for its huge efforts to promote one of Spain’s native varieties: Monastrell. Castaño embodies the best of what southern Spain has to offer, producing rich, warm-climate wines, with almost Syrah-like complexity, which overdeliver in terms of value year after year. Castaño began bottling characterful, single-varietal Monastrell in the 1980s, when the variety was used exclusively for bulk wines and blending. Today, in the expert hands of Daniel Castaño and his family, the variety maintains high quality even at moderate to generous yields. 80% of the family’s 600 hectares of vineyards are dedicated to Monastrell, with smaller plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Macabeo and Chardonnay among others. The Monastrell is sourced from dry-farmed, bush and trellised vines up to 70 years old in the ‘Las Gruesas’ and ‘Pozuelo’ vineyards. Totalling 336 hectares, the two vineyards sit at an altitude of 750 metres, with a north-south aspect, on sandy limestone soils.

The 100% Monastrell ‘Hécula’ represents exceptional value for money. Certified organic from the 2019 vintage, it displays succulent ripe black fruit, notes of sweet spice and liquorice and supple ripe tannins. The ‘Colección’, made from 70% old-vine Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, shows more red cherry and dried fruit character, with hints of smokiness and chocolate. The Organic Macabeo, Monastrell Rosado and Monastrell are some of Spain’s best value organic wines. Made for early drinking, they are fresh and elegant thanks to the organically-farmed vineyard’s location at 500 to 700 metres above sea level. Castaño’s Macabeo is bright and fragrant with notes of white peach, apple and zesty lemon. The Monastrell Rosado is a delicate pale pink, as a result of direct pressing and no maceration on the skins, and shows elegant red fruit and floral aromas. The ‘Dulce’ is delicious, full of dried fig, raisin and plum jam flavours, with a rounded mouthfeel and balanced acidity that keeps the finish perfectly fresh.

Made by Familia Castaño, the Molinico Loco wines share the exceptionally good value, modern packaging and whistle-clean, fruit-forward style that are hallmarks of the family’s other wines.

Molinico Loco is the affectionate name for the windmill (‘molino’) that sits on the edge of the Castaño vineyards. In contrast to other windmills, which turn in windy conditions, this particular windmill is ‘loco’ (the Spanish for crazy) as it turns only on calm, still days. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level and have a north-south orientation. The soils are sandy with a lime content that gives the wines a hallmark freshness.

Molinico Loco, Macabeo, Spain displays wonderful varietal fruit characteristics of fresh peach and white flowers. On the palate, it is lively, with juicy fruit and a zesty finish. The Monastrell has vibrant notes of ripe red cherry, blackberry and plum on the nose, it is very easy drinking with soft tannins and a smooth finish. The Monastrell Rosado boasts inviting berry aromas and a refreshing acidity.

The wine is pale lemon in the glass with intense aromas of pear, green apple and citrus on the nose. On the palate, the wine is soft and juicy, with fresh acidity in balance with delicate yet distinctive fruit flavours. Crispy finish.