
Castilla is 40 miles south of Madrid. The region mostly grown Temperanillo and Airen, a white wine grape that loves the heat.
Castilla derives from the word castile and refer to the Kingdom of Castile, a large, powerful state on the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. Castile also mean castle, as there are many castles in the area from that era.
You might say the region is enchanted. The wine, however, has largely become known as table wine, as Spain's largest wine producing region.
Mag in a Bag or Bagnum?
This Spanish rosado comes in a handy little bag with handles. Although it looks very small and lightweight, it does hold two whole bottles of wine or 1.5L.
From Castilla la Mancha, this wine is also biodynamic and aged for three months in amphora clay jars.
La Bodega Las Estrellas
La Bodega Las Estrellas is a small family winery committed to making wine in the natural way with no additives and minimal intervention.
They only make wine from grapes from their own vineyards; they use indigenous yeast; and use amphorae jars because it is "inherited from the best tradition on Earth, where aromas, flavours, colours and special textures are formed when fermenting, transmitting the authentic tradition of friendly and sweet-toothed wine."
2018 Dionisos Rosado
100% Temperanillo, 13% ABV, imported by Critical Mass Selections, $28
Described on the back of the bag as a "A fresh, soft and fruity rose made in clay jars. Let yourself be carried away by new sensations and try surprising pairings."
Similarly, the label refers to the bag as a wine pouch that is "A perfect container to share emotions which protects wine from oxidations and has a low carbon footprint."
This vintage was coral and peachy colored.Aroma of rose, fresh apple, and nectarine and tasted of slightly sour strawberries and cantaloupe.
Food Pairings
Learn more about the Wines of Castilla La Mancha
Join the Wine Pairing Weekend writers as they explore the wines of this region in these posts:
- Camilla is Chasing Windmills with Tojunto + Bodegas Volver La Mancha Single Vineyard Tempranillo 2017 at Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Martin is Tasting A Rare Grape Variety: The 2018 Bodegas Gratias Tardana Sol at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
- Jeff entices us with La Mancha by the Liter - Gulp Hablo at Food Wine Click!
- Gwendolyn is Dreaming Impossible Dreams: Tilting at Windmills withTempranillo and Verdejo from Castilla La Mancha at Wine Predator...Gwendolyn Alley.
- Lynn is living La Mancha Local - Wine with Project Envínate at Savor the Harvest
- Linda shares 'Valley of Rocks’ Wine from Spain Rocks with Spanish-Style Pizza at My Full Wine Glass.
- Terri pairs Turkey Tamales and Eguren Tempranillo Vino De La Tierra De Castillo at Our Good Life.
gwendolyn alley says
What a great wine find! And pairings too! Gotta love a "magnum"--I want one now too!
MARTIN D REDMOND says
What a great find (and I'm gonna need a name;-). So cool this wine is in a bag, + biodynamic and delicious. I didn't know there are rock crabs in CA! Your crab boil is impressive, but I'm all about those Miyagi oysters!
Terri Steffes says
Another wine I have to find! I love seafood boils, so now I want to host one with this wine. I am thrilled with your choices this month!
Lynn says
Must say I am tickled. I wouldn't put 'small producer' and what you share about them together. I've mostly seen bagged wine (and bag in box) from larger, bulk producers so indeed a score for you. Love the pairing and the new site!
Jeff Burrows says
What an unexpected treat - biodynamic farming, amphora aging and bag wine! Your crab boil looks absolutely delicious.
gwendolyn alley says
This wine is a winner! WOW! love everything about it! and the pairing too!
Linda Whipple, CSW says
Love, love, love everything about this post, from the biodynamic wine in a bag to the I-never-feel-like-cooking winter seafood boil. Well done, Deanna - and thanks so much for hosting!
gwendolyn alley says
yes agreed!