Straightforward, this is a fantastic value packed with dense fruit and a good dash of acidity making it great with a wide variety of dishes.

Winemaking: Tala hails from the ancient wine growing region of Alicante in southwest Spain. I was not able to locate more information other then Tala is bottled exclusively for Astor Wines & Spirits.

Tasting Notes: Red-violet in colour with aromas of cherry and gamey earth. Dry earth elements and firm tannins supported dense black cherry and baked plum flavours, whilst hints of black peppercorn and suggestions of bitter chocolate comprised the dry, clean finish.

Monastrell [Mourvedre] I was not able to verify varietal percentage
Alicante
Spain
Produced and Bottled by R.E. No. 0007796/A, Pinoso
14.5% Alcohol
$6
Enjoy now

The history of Viticola Casa Castillo began in 1870 when French viticulturists fleeing phylloxera planted vines and built a winery in southeastern Spain. Then in 1941 Jose Sanchez-Cerezo acquired the property in order to grow rosemary. Viticola Casa Castillo was founded in its current form in 1985 when Jose Sanchez-Cerezo’s son Mr. Nemesio, along with his son Jose Mª Vicente, revived the rosemary producing estate with reconstruction of the original vineyards and introduction of new varietals. Today Jose heads the estate with a goal of producing “wines with personality, own character and flavor of each plot”. Whilst Casa Castillo Monastrell is the estate’s entry level offering, the grapes were sourced from old vines located on northern slopes of Sierra del Molar Mountain.

Dark red-violet in colour with aromas of grape jam and hints of toasted oak. Cherry, plum, herbaceous traces and cheerful acidity were supported by smooth tannins and a clean fruity finish. Straightforward and friendly, this is a great match with pizza and simple pasta dishes. [And a good value at $9.]

100% Monastrell [Mourvedre]
Jumilla
Spain
Bottled by Julia Roch E Hijos, C.B.
14.5% Alcohol
$9
Enjoy thru 2016
Rated 89 points by the Wine Advocate

I’m always on the lookout for new arrivals in the value section so I was enthusiastic when I saw the arrival of Castaño Monastrell 2011. Castaño is a well-recognized consistent producer of excellent value wines, and I tend to find Monastrell [Mourvѐdre] a captivating glass. Founded by Ramon Castaño Santa and his 3 sons, Bodegas Castaño consists of nearly 450 hectares of vineyards across the Yecla region in southeastern Spain. The family estate has helped revitalize winemaking in Yecla with their innovative spirit, emphasis on tradition and the use of indigenous grape varieties, specifically Monastrell which is known as “the king variety in Yecla”.
Deep inky red-violet in colour, after aerating aromas of summer wildflowers and balsamic rose from the glass. Tart black cherry and red current flavours were supported by smooth black tea tannins in the medium body. Spicy white pepper joined traces of fennel and black cherry notes in the moderate finish. Simple and straightforward, this is a good value and pleasant companion for a wide variety of dishes.