Bodegas Castaño https://www.bodegascastano.com Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:16:13 +0200 You are likely to have heard the word Umami, but you may not know what it means. It can be translated as "pleasant savoury taste" from Japanese and is used to define the flavour of certain foods. It is also present in wine tastings, in particular red wines. Would you like to learn about the relationship between what is considered to be the fifth taste and wine? Let us tell you about it. What is Umami? This word has Japanese origins and can be translated as something like delicious taste. It coexists with the other four basic flavours that you have already mastered to perfection. From sweet to salty, sour to bitter. If you are in doubt as to whether you would be able to identify it, don't worry. It is so irresistible that it'll be easy. Experts atttibute the following characteristics to it: It doesn't fill you up despite eating the food that contains it. It increases hunger. It promotes salivary secretion. It is neither a new invention nor the result of combinations created in a laboratory. Umami has been a part of your diet since birth. And we're not exaggerating. It is contained in breast milk and products that you often keep in your cupboard at home. Examples are ham and cured cheese, among many other foods that naturally contain it.    In some cases, it is added while preparing certain dishes, as this is the perfect way to enhace their flavour. As you can see, without even realising, it is part of your life and of many of the dishes you cook. Its History It was discovered a century ago by a Japanese scientist, Kikunae Ikeda, after studying the compounds used when making stock. He found glutamte, the most common animo acid that certain foods are able to release, mainly aided by cooking or fermentation. Over time, a synthetic version was developed under the name of monosodium glutamate or MSG. It is completely harmless, enhances flavours and is used together with other ingredients in culinary creations. However, the Europen Union regulates its use, as is the case for all other food additives. These are the foods that contain it There is a wide and varied range of foods that have this mouthwatering taste. And it's not just about soups made in the Far East. It is more common than you think all over the world. To give you a rough idea, here are some of the most popular food products that contain it: Seafood. Olives. Meat stew. Blue cheeses. Iberian ham. Soy sauce. Smoked salmon. Ripe tomatoes. Caramelised onions. Umami and wine It is also present in beverages, especially those that require fermentation. The best example is wine. Which ones can you identify most easily? In those made from very ripe grapes from low production vineyards and whose maturation process has been carried out in casks. Umami predominates in red wines from warm regions and in some white wines. The ideal pairing If you have a dish with this delicious flavour and you would like to pair it, we recommend going for a wine with rather soft tannins. Acidity level, on the other hand, should be high. Another no less inteseting alternative is in the freshest and most aromatic wines. You could also start experimenting on your own. In this way, you'll be able to establish many of your own wonderful links. Improve your knowledge of wine and experience new things Now that you know waht Umami is and how it relates to wine, make sure you try to identify it in every tasting. Get the hlep of an expert who can guide you when it comes to identifying flavours and nuances, as this is the best way to go about it. In this way, you'll get the most out of every experience of this kind. The world of wine has much more in store for you. If you don't believe us, pay attentions because we have plenty of ideas for you. From the Monastrell trails to sunsets in Monte Arabí. You'll also be won over by the history of organic wines and the Spanish wine day in Sweden. To sum up, don't forget to focus your attention on the palate so that each glass of wine now unleashes its Umami. If you would like to purchase some of the wines we make in our winery or enjoy wine tourim, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. ¡WE'RE THE LEADING WINE PRODUCERS IN SOUTH-EASTERN SPAIN! ]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-umami-and-its-relationship-with-wine https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-umami-and-its-relationship-with-wine Mon, 01 Aug 2022 10:23:06 +0000 bodega 0 Why can we taste a young Spanish white or rosé wine before a young red? If you are passionate about Spanish wine, you will surely enjoy discovering interesting facts about its production process and the differences that exist. Can you identify different types by their scent? Do you know why a young rosé or white wine is marketed before a young red? Below we have the answers to these questions. Expand your kmowledge and surprise your guest at your next soirée at home? What is a young wine?  Also known as vintage wine or wine of the year, it is bottled after alcoholic fermentation is complete. Therefore, it has not undergone any ageing or maturing processes and is marketed in tis first or second year of life. In fact, just three months after the grapes have been harvested, we can enjoy a white or rosé wine.   Its proprties remain intact for approximately two to three years. The cut-off date forthese types of wine is determined by the grapes used and where they were produced. How can you identify each young wine by its colour, aroma and taste? Differentiating each type of young wine by its colour is easy. If you do it by aroma and taste, however, that's when things get a little harder. These clues will help you distinguish between them: WHITE. In addition to its straw yellow o slightly greenish colour, it has an aroma reminiscent of fruits such as apple and pear. It will also bring to mind the smell of jasmine and other flowers. It is as fresh in the mouth as it is acidic. It is ideal as an aperitif. However, depending on yhe variety and preparation moethod, white wine can be perfect for first courses such as fish and seafood.  ROSÉ. Its colour is unmistakable. The bright strawberry pink, that can be more or less intense, gives it away, as does its fruity, floral aroma. When you try it, you'll love its sweet, fresh and sugary taste. RED. Red is its colour, although its bluish component makes ir look almost purple. The evocation of red, and even black, berries will win youir sense over Why are young rosés and whites marketed before young reds? There are two different explanations for this question. The first of these is due to the production process required for the different types of young wines that you have just learned about in depth. Both whites and rosés only need to undergo alcoholic fermentaction, so they are bottled almost immediately. They do not need to wait any longer. This is not the case with red wines, which require a maceration process that takes several days, as well as a second fermentation called malolatic fermentation. This helps to make the final product more palatable. Therefore, producing a young res takes slightly longer than in the case of other young wines. In this way, they enter the market at different times. The second explanation is the harvest date of the grapes used in the production of each of the Spanish wines classified as young. 1. White wine: Macabeo and Chardonnay grapes In the creation of white wines, grapes such as the Macabeo variety are used. The grapes are harvested during the first week of september, as is the case in our D.O area, Yecla. The grape known as Chardonnay is also used, one of the best known varieties in the world, with a very widespread cultivation due to its ability to adapt to the climate. It is harvested in the second week of August. These are, indeed, early dates compared to other grape varieties. 2. Rosé and harvesting For the production of young rosé wine, it is customary to use the red grape that is best suited to the terrain or area. In our case, this is in The Monastrell. The grapes are harvested at the end of September and in the firts fortnight of October, in order to obtain a greater level of freshness. 3. Red wine and Monastrell grapes The Monastrell grape is the last one to be harvested out of those used in the production of these wines. We have to wait for the second or third week of October. In other words, it needs one month than the Macabeo grape and one and a half months more than the Chardonnay variety. In addition to alcoholic fermentation, malolatic fermentation is also required for the production of these red wines. In short, the combination of all factors - i.e. long maceration, double fermentation and harvesting time - psotpones the marketing of young red wines compared to whites and rosés. If you found this article interesting, we recommend yoy to follow our blog to keep up to date with the latest news about Spanish wine and other current topics. What's more, if you are looking to explore the world of wine tourism, do not hesitate to contact us. You'll have an unforgettable experience!]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-young-spanish-wine-how-long-does-it-need-before-it-is-marketed https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-young-spanish-wine-how-long-does-it-need-before-it-is-marketed Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:58:17 +0000 ad 0 Easter time in Murcia. We were looking forward to those free days that are already inherent to Holy Week, to be able to disconnect. Despite the restrictions caused by the pandemic, we can take advantage of these days to discover the wonderful corners that are in our Murcia's land still unknown to some of us, so we are going to get the most positive side of it and enjoy everything that we can offer you in this beautiful region. Ideas for those of us who are in Murcia and notes for future visits from those who are a little further away. In Murcia, if we have something, it is diversity, and that why we have to feel very lucky, since this helps us to be able to choose between different places for our destination. In addiction, the good weather that we have always gives us a good reason to enjoy our time, whether it i son the beach oir in the mountains, and even on many occasions, both at the same time. Enjoy Murcia city walking through its most historic streets or even visiting inland towns to taste the best gastronomy accompanied by a good wine from one of the three Denominations of Origin found in our region, although we recommend you our beloved D.O. Yecla. If your destination is going to be the beach, then you can enjoy its wide warm coastline from San Pedro del Pinatar to Águilas, with beaches even up to 19 kilometers of white sand, in the famous area of La Manga del Mar Menor, of course. But if you decide on the beach-mountain binomial, you should not miss visiting the Calblanque Regional Park, that more than a beach it is a succession of sandy areas separated by cliffs where you can see the best example of the coastal ecosystem in the Murcia region. If you like more to visit inland areas, you have at your disposal unusual places that will leave you speechless, such as Moratalla, in the northwest, with a fascinating mountainous environment that you can explore on its hiking trails. Although, speaking of mountains, in Yecla, we have our magical Arabí Mountain, with great geological and archaeological interest, where erosion has come over time shaping this very interesting place, as can be seen in its Horadada cave. If you come here, do not stay with the desire to visit us. Finishing this excursion with a wine tasting led by our always smiling companion Raquel at Bodegas CASTAÑO and taste the art of monastrell made wine and then be able to pair them with succulent typical dishes from the area in any of the establishments in Yecla. If you are one of the lucky ones who will spend these days in Murcia and want to know more about the tastings at Bodegas CASTAÑO, scan the following QR code with your mobile. But if you still can't get close, remember that we will be waiting for you here so scan the QR code as well and start planning your next get away. ]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-easter-the-best-destinations-to-visit-in-murcia https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-easter-the-best-destinations-to-visit-in-murcia Wed, 31 Mar 2021 10:12:02 +0000 admin 0 In the middle of these uncertain times that we have been through, we really believe that it is worhty of remark and share any good news that happens, as well as we are pleased to receive them from the people around us. That is the reason why we would like to still from your time a couple of minutes to announce you the excellent ratings and experts publications from all over the world to this old known HÉCULA MONASTRELL that make it debut as ORGANIC in this vintage 2019 already released. And if you still have a few more minutes, I encourage you to keep reading below if you wish to know a little bit more about the new direction we are taken in CASTAÑO with the strong belief, more than ever, that our future, everyone´s, is on Earth…. Thank you and we make a toast with you for those better times that are yet to come. Cheers!!!                                                    Sustainability and rescpect for nature have always been part of Bodegas CASTAÑO phylosophy. From the begining of this adventure, we have had a determined commitment to conserve the environment and a bet to preserve, until today, part of those vineyards that our ancestors worked with so much effort and placed in our hands. This is the witness taken from Ramón Castaño Santa, founder of Bodegas Castaño, his three sons currently in charge of the project: Ramón - Technical Director and viticulture, Juan Pedro - Financial Director and Daniel - Commercial Director, who maintain their clear philosophy to conserve indigenous grape varieties such as Monastrell, perfectly adapted to a land such as Yecla, located in the northeast of the Murcia region where water resources are scarce.   This has allowed Bodegas Castaño to reach this current moment with the objective of Certifying as Ecological 100% of its vineyards and processes in the winery.   Caring for the environment, quality, the origin of what we eat and drink, healthy living ... It is not just about following trends or fashions. Bodegas Castaño has at its disposal everything you need to achieve the high quality you are looking for for your wines, and this begins with caring for the land, but also with what this land offers and that we take as unique resources that differentiate us and put in a privileged position to produce ecological, sustainable and environmentally friendly wines: POOR LIME-STONY SOILS THAT ALLOW PERMEABILITY AND HELP DRAIN THE RAIN AND KEEP A DRY SURFACE THAT AVOIDS THE APPEARANCE OF MOULD. IDEAL CLIMATE, WITH LOW RAINFALL RATE, MAINLY DRY-FARMED VINEYARDS TO PRESERVE THE HYDRIC RESOURCES, NATURAL AIREATION OF THE VINES FAVOURED BY OUR LOCATION (HIGH PLATEAU, A MOUNTAIN CORRIDOR SURROUNDING OUR REGION, ALTITUDE OF OUR VINES…). The moment we are living has allowed us all to reflect on the steps to take; Therefore, if to the traditional quality winemaking that has positioned us as an international benchmark, we add the more than favorable conditions for organic viticulture that occur in the environment of the singular Denomination of Origin of Yecla (Murcia), the result cannot be other than walking towards a new future, which has become a reality with its most emblematic wine: Hécula.   Hécula Organic 2019, opens a new page in its history of successes, endorsed since its launch with ecological certification in February 2021 by awards in some of the most relevant competitions in the sector and high scores and more than positive comments in guides prestigious internationally renowned.  ]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-hecula-monastrell-organic-2019-we-are-still-collecting-hits https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-hecula-monastrell-organic-2019-we-are-still-collecting-hits Thu, 25 Mar 2021 18:29:48 +0000 admin 0 Organic wines For some time now, and steadily, organic wines have been gaining ground in the national and international markets. The quality of these wines and the sustainability of the vineyards are the main reason for this change in trend. At Bodegas Castaño we have been aware of the added value that this agriculture brings for the environment and in 2023 our vineyards will become 100% organic. What is organic agriculture? For the vineyards to be able to obtain the denomination of organic cultivation, they must pass an initial control of about three years, during this time, the soil is cleaned of any possible non-organic residue. From there, the use of non-aggressive products for the environment such as copper and sulfur are allowed for the treatment against fungi such as mildew, oidium and to prevent the appearance of botrytis. The main difference in this type of tillage with the traditional one is in the limits of sulfur addition, which in this case is less. In addition, the use of chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides are also eliminated. Emphasizing sustainability, in order to preserve the environment, increasing the fertility of the land and the supply of food with its natural properties. One of the external factors that largely determines an exceptional organic vineyard is the climate. Fortunately, the low rainfall in the area of southeastern Spain, where we find ourselves, favors that there is no excess moisture and therefore danger of fungi. In the same way, the high insolation rates with about 3000 hours of sunshine, together with a limestone and stony soil that accumulates this heat, are the perfect compendium for a good balance of water, light and temperature. This gives us vineyards in a perfect sanitary state and without chemical residues. How is an organic wine made? Although the steps to be taken in the process of making these wines is similar to a conventional quality wine, there are some guidelines and standards for their certification. Some of the rules for making this type of wine are: The transport of the grapes to the winery must be the same day of its harvest, avoiding any alteration, using stackable boxes or shallow trailers and covered with a canvas so that the grapes do not come into contact with the metal. Pressing systems that do not harm the bunch (skin, seeds and stalks) Spontaneous fermentation naturally in the grape must. The storage and conservation of the grape must in the first stages of the production and later of the wine should be carried out in stainless steel tanks, wood, coated concrete, or others, as long as they meet the conditions of food use. How to identify an organic wine? To identify these wines, on the back label of each bottle, there is a stamp that certifies that this wine has been made under the quality controls of the Organic Agriculture Committee of the different Autonomous Communities, as well as by the European Union. The quality of these wines is increasingly recognized. The traditional production methods used bring with them wines with more natural aromas and flavors that are increasingly suited to consumer’s taste. Their demand at the national level is growing from year to year, but is still low compared to international markets where they are even more valued. All our commitment and enthusiasm is now to continue growing and provide our brands with this warranty, which not only implies an increase in the quality of the wines, but also a commitment to the sustainable future of our vineyards and their surroundings, where our native variety monastrell will bear greater responsibility. This added value for Bodegas Castaño, sooner or later will be part of its identity seal, becoming in the next few years a 100% organic winery.]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-organic-wines https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-organic-wines Mon, 25 Jan 2021 20:02:19 +0000 admin 0 Castaño pairings  What to have for dinner during the night of the three wise men? After all these  dates with family or friends, we have left the three Wise Men night to end  Christmas time, which even though it is different, deserves to be celebrated. Therefore, we want to help you to prepare a perfect menu, with the wine pairing included, to surprise your guests. For dessert, it couldn't be otherwise, the desired roscón de Reyes. Roast pork knuckle Roast pork knuckle is a dish with a very good presence on the table, and its preparation is very simple to make. Pork knuckle meat is considered exquisite for its delicious flavor. Roasts are very characteristic recipes of Murcia lands. The roast technique consists of providing heat in the piece from all angles, this allows it to brown on the outside and be done on the inside, and they are also spectacular the simpler they are if possible. The variety of meats that exist in the Region of Murcia has given rise to a multitude of recipes, also highly named for this time of year.   Ingredients for 4 people 1 kilo of pork knuckle 4 medium potatoes 2 cloves of garlic 3 ripe tomatoes 50 grams of pine nuts Olive oil Salt and pepper   Preparation mode First step for preparing the ingredients is: Prepare the pork portions and removing excess fat. They have to be cleaned of possible pieces of bone that could have splintered. The potatoes are peeled, washed and cut in half. Tomatoes are washed and cut in half. The garlic is cleaned and cut into slices. The parsley, once washed, is finely chopped. Second step to preheat and bake. The ingredients are placed on the oven tray. First the potatoes and the pork knuckle are put on the tray, and then the tomato is grated on top. Put a bit salt and pepper and sprinkle with the parsley and pine nuts. Meanwhile, the oven will have been preheating for about ten minutes. Once the temperature reaches 150º C, the tray is placed in the oven. Half an hour at 200º C will be enough for all the ingredients to be done. Presentation and accompaniment The roast pork knuckle is a perfect dish that looks great at a Christmas lunch or dinner. The knuckle piece should be golden brown on its outer layer and undercooked on the inside. The dish should also have a garnish of potatoes also browned and the sauce that has remained on the oven tray is spread over the dish top. Our Casa Cisca wine 100% Monastrell from very old vines, will give a spectacular pairing to this great dinner as it goes perfectly with this dish. If you prefer white wine, the choice could be our Castaño macabeo chardonnay    Dessert For dessert, as it cannot be missed on that day, we will have Roscón de Reyes, which we can pair with our Castaño Dulce also 100% Monastrell, which, as its name suggests, is sweet to drink with this kind of dishes. CASTAÑO SURVEY If you wish to have more information about the pairings please fill up this little survey https://app.getresponse.com/survey.html?u=GKyxi&survey_id=1497605 ]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-pairing-dinner-for-three-wise-men-night https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-pairing-dinner-for-three-wise-men-night Wed, 30 Dec 2020 20:43:17 +0000 admin 0 Korea Wine Challenge 2020 We are delighted to say that Hécula 2018 has been awarded with the GOLDEN MEDAL in the prestigious and most relevant wine competition in Korea; “The Korea Wine Challenge 2020” A modern style wine 100 % monastrell with a light aging in oak barrels during 6 months. The balsamic hints are perfectly blended with the ripe fruit showing an elegant and smooth wine. A successful wine either in the Spanish and export market where Hécula has become an Iconic monastrell red wine that keeps reaping well-deserved  awards. Thank you for this new golden medal, we are so proud of it and motívate us to carry on vintage after vintage, to elaborate wines at Bodegas Castaño with the same thrill. ]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-korea-wine-challenge https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-korea-wine-challenge Fri, 04 Sep 2020 20:52:20 +0000 admin 0 Flowering of the grapevine From the end of May to beginning of June, it happens one of the most beautiful and important  cycles in the vine, the flowering peridod of the grapevine. The white and small flowers opens to be pollinated by the insects or the natural action of the wind. Once this have happend, it develop the grape berry. This stage it known as “curdled” The flowering stablished the harvest volumen and the beggining of the picking, normally it goes one hundred days from the curdled to the harvest of the grapes. Some weather conditions are necessary to the right evolution in this process; temperaturas around 20 degrees, lots of sunlight and few rainfalls. Otherwise the pollination is affected and it makes slowler the curdled of the fruit. This phenological state it takes a bit longer in our grape variety monastrell and so the harvest. Within the vineyards in the appellation Yecla, with a clear continentainal and dry weather, the long sunshine hours and the high altitude make a privileged setting for the right evolution of the berries until the veraison.  ]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-the-flowering-of-the-vine https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-the-flowering-of-the-vine Mon, 08 Jun 2020 21:14:44 +0000 admin 0 CASTAÑO a monastrell referrer in Canada Hecula monastrell, one of the most emblematic wines from Bodegas Castaño, present at SAQ stores in Québec. A wine elaborated with monastrell old vines from the highlands in Yecla. The soils are rocky and limestone with a few rainfall, therefore higher concentration. The short aging in oak barrels during six months, brings spicy touch blended perfectly with the ripe red fruit. It is silky, with elegant tannins and good structured. Daniel Castaño introduce the story of the Castaño Family and Hécula from the vineyard Las Gruesas: DIVIN PARADIS]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-hecula-in-canda-with-divin-paradis https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-hecula-in-canda-with-divin-paradis Wed, 20 May 2020 17:27:02 +0000 admin 0 HÉCULA Monastrell an OSCAR's wine! We were amazed to see our most emblematic wine in some scenes of the South Korean film PARASITE, which has been awarded not only with the Best foreign film 2020’ OSCAR, but also the Golden Globe, Golden Palm and Cesar Award, among other well known contests in the same category. It is a fact that both, this great film Parasite and this unique red wine Hecula will not leave anybody indifferent. Bodegas Castaño have been exporters DO Yecla wines for many years now, taking to the world our Monastrell grape variety as a flagship and Familia Castaño philosophy to many countries worldwide. Ours are very appreciated wines in Asian markets for their quality, personality and their Mediterranean touch. South Korea is one of the great destinations of Hecula, which has become a MUST-HAVE at the best wine-shops and restaurants with many followers in the country, so it deserved to be showcased in the film. The “Art of the monastrell” within the Art of Cinema. Best wine pairing: Hécula Monastrell and "Parasite" We at Bodegas Castaño would recommend you all to watch the movie if you have not done so yet, with a geneours glass of Hécula and enjoy this remarkable experience. The perfect companion to enjoy this overwhelmingly cruel story on the tension between the Kims, a basement-dwelling poor family in Seoul, and the Parks, a family at the opposite end of the social spectrum. ]]> https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-hecula-monastrell-bodegas-castano-appears-film-parasite https://www.bodegascastano.com/en/blog/p-hecula-monastrell-bodegas-castano-appears-film-parasite Wed, 15 Apr 2020 15:11:43 +0000 admin 0