# Castillo de Liria Monastrell - Shiraz (NV)

- **Producer:** Bodegas Vicente Gandía
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Monastrell, Shiraz
- **Region:** Valencia, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €4
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** plum, blackberry, raspberry, violet, vanilla, toast

## About this wine

Created in 1971 by Bodegas Vicente Gandía, Castillo de Liria was a pioneering brand of bottled wine in the Valencia region. Founded in 1885, Bodegas Vicente Gandía is one of the oldest and largest wine producers in southeastern Spain. This bottling combines the native Monastrell grape with international Shiraz, sourcing fruit from sunny vineyards within D.O.P. Alicante to deliver an accessible everyday Mediterranean red wine.

## Interesting facts

- Created in 1971, Castillo de Liria was the pioneering brand of bottled wine in the Valencia region.
- Bodegas Vicente Gandía, founded in 1885, is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Valencia.
- The organic release earned a Gold Medal at the Premios Ecovino 2023 for unaged red wines.

## Food pairing

The medium body, dark fruit profile, and approachable tannins of this Monastrell-Shiraz blend complement savory Mediterranean foods. It balances rich grilled meats, cured sausages, and firm cheeses without dominating delicate vegetable or rice preparations.

## Wine making process

Grapes are harvested from vineyards in D.O.P. Alicante that benefit from warm Mediterranean exposure and dry soils. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks without oak contact to emphasize vibrant fruit character and maintain smooth tannins. The wine undergoes modern stabilization and is bottled using eco-friendly lightweight glass and recycled packaging materials.