Jumilla Las Gravas Casa Castillo 2021 (750ML)

Las Gravas is a single north-facing vineyard of rocky, stony soils, planted to dry-farmed bush vines that average more than 40 years old and yield just 12 to 15 hL/ha. Owner José Maria Vicente, whose grandfather bought the Casa Castillo estate in 1941, farms it organically. The wine is mostly Monastrell with a small share of Garnacha, fermented with native yeasts in underground stone lagares with 25% whole bunches, then aged 20 months in 5,000- and 500-liter foudres. 2021 began cold and wet and stayed cool into early summer; the old vines weathered a week of fierce August heat, and a northerly wind in late September and early October ripened the Monastrell fully despite late rain. About 37,000 bottles were made. Floral and restrained, it is fine-boned and mineral, and well balanced at 15% alcohol. At the table it wants rabbit with rosemary, grilled Ibérico pork or aged Manchego.