Gran Calero 2006

Description
Yelca is the only DO in Spain to cover just a single town (there is one however that covers a single estate, Domaine Valdepusa) and could easily be absorbed by Jumilla next door. However, since the 1970s, the region's growers, inspired by the Castaño family and the work done at Bodegas Castaño (who regularly win 90+ Points from Robert Parker), have worked hard to forge a unique identity for their wines.

This is an outstanding wine from Bodegas Castaño (confusingly owned by Monsignor Calero!). It's nearly pure Monastrell, the main grape of this region and of next-door Jumilla and one which the cellar excels with. They are known as the "Kings of Monastrell". It produces wines with intense colour and high alcohol - this wine is 15% alcohol - which were previously shipped out in bulk to bolster up the lighter wines further afield.

The liquid from Yecla is now too good and too much in demand to do that. In Yecla's arid vineyards, this grape produces very low yields - only around 25 hectolitres per hectare (Cru Classé Bordeaux is around 45 hectolitres per hectare) - so flavour is intensely concentrated and the wines tend to have good longevity.

All the fruit for Gran Calero comes from the 30-year-old Campo vineyards which produce the best grapes in the region. This area has hot summers (42°), but at night temperatures plummet to around 15°, thereby slowing down the ripening. A little oak-ageing has added complexity.

International Wine Challenge 2008, United Kingdom

International Wine & Spirit Competition 2008, United Kingdom

Indian Wine Challenge 2007, India

Rose Murray Brown Scotsman 1/9/07 2007, United Kingdom