‘Hecula’ Monastrell, Castano, Yecla
Based in Yecla, Familia Castaño is 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.
This is a big, rich, full-bodied wine made from the Monastrell grape in the Yecla region of south west Spain. Really over-delivers for the price; so tasty! Has always been one of our favourites, and now it's certified organic! Win Win
A great steak wine, but also just one of the best all-round wines on the market. Seriously good.
The Liberator Syrah
Over the past 25 years, Richard Kelley MW (aka The Liberator!) has become one of the most respected authorities on South African wine in the UK and beyond. Between 1995 and 2002, he lived and worked in the Cape, witnessing the renaissance of the post-apartheid wine industry. Throughout this fruitful period, he established a healthy rapport with the great and the good of the local wine scene, affording him access to their distinguished cellars. These wines are often some of the most interesting, and best value, wines to come out of South Africa.
Ask Richard which wine The Francophile Syrah most resembles and he’d probably compare it to a young Crozes-Hermitage. Full of vibrant red-black fruit and with an aromatic nose reminiscent of Saint-Joseph lilies, the result is a thrilling young red that is free of the constraints and manipulated flavour profile that come with barrel-ageing. This is a very pure and naked example of the Syrah grape.
Great value and a good wine to go with most meaty dishes.
Ortonese Sangiovese/Merlot, Caldora
This is one of my favourite sub £10 wines out there; it's such a great wine for the price.
From Puglia in the hot south of Italy, this blend really punches above its weight. The perfume and freshness of the Sangiovese meld beautifully with the soft, rich, plummy fruit of the Merlot.
Easy drinking and versatile, this is perfect as an every day red to accompany pasta and tomato dishes, pizza, as well as cured meats and hard cheeses (English Pecorino!). Smooth enough to work brilliantly at parties and functions (a step up from most wedding wines...)
