Castaño monastrell 2010 from Yecla has nothing interesting about it, but nothing offensive either. It's a basic red table wine, with none of the "off" flavors table wines sometimes have. You could do a lot worse for $9 dollars a bottle, and you could certainly buy worse wines from Yecla.
Yecla is a denominación de orígen in the South of Spain traditionally known for cheap, rough, strong bulk wines, sometimes called <<vinos de peleo>>: fighting wines. The quality is improving, but when I drink a Yecla I still expect the worst. When a Yecla is merely inoffensive I find that I'm pleased. With Castaño Monastrell 2010, this was the case.
If you want a red wine to serve with spicy, vinegary tapas, such as patatas bravas or banderillas, this is a good choice. There is no nuance to be overwhelmed.
Love your blog, Bill. I really need a Spain fix and this helps. So funny you say you expect the worst from Yecla... I bought a bottle from Yecla that has a bird of paradise flower on the label--can't remember more than that--and I swear it tasted like horse blanket.
Posted by: Amy Bowen | 08/02/2012 at 03:39 PM
Thank you, Amy! I'm glad you like it.
Yecla is improving, but there's still some that's really bad. I'll be sure to avoid any with a bird of paradise flower on it.
Bill
Posted by: Bill | 08/02/2012 at 05:54 PM