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Castillo de Monjardin Winery Guide

Winery Overview

Nestled in the picturesque San Esteban zone of Tierra Estella within the DO Navarra, Castillo Monjardin stands as a stunning and innovative bodega. Renowned for their exceptional cask-fermented Chardonnays and Merlots, the winery boasts an expansive 120-hectare expanse of single vineyards strategically positioned on slopes to harness the optimal climatic conditions. Situated at an altitude of 600 meters, their vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate that imparts a captivating aromatic profile and profound depth to their wines.

A true gem within the vineyard is its magnificent 4000-square-meter wine cellar; designed with meticulous attention to detail, it is ingeniously integrated into the slope, allowing for precise temperature control at every stage of the winemaking process. Grapes are harvested with the utmost care, employing mechanical techniques to preserve their pristine quality. Specifically, the Chardonnay grapes are selectively harvested during the cooler nighttime hours, harnessing the advantages of lower temperatures.

Castillo Monjardin’s commitment to quality extends beyond the vineyards and into their state-of-the-art wine cellar, ensuring that every step of the winemaking journey reflects their unwavering dedication to producing remarkable wines.

White grapes are put directly from picking into a closed pneumatic press. This 8 hr process constantly rotates, allowing the grapes to be pressed naturally by their own weight, hopefully leaving unripe grapes intact. Castillo de Monjardin invented this process and only produces 50% yield-free-run juices. Most of the white grape must is used for Chardonnay, fermented in stainless steel vats, and then aged in oak barrels.

Red wines are produced using the Bordeaux method. After the grapes are de-stemmed and crushed, they enter a long fermentation process followed by malo-lactic fermentation in stainless steel. Then, depending on the varietal and vintage, they are separated by young and Crianza and Reservas to be sent to age in oak casks.

Navarra Food and Wine Tour

Navarra Food and Wine Tour

Embark on a journey through the flavors of Spain on a Navarra Food & Wine Tour. Discover delectable delights and rich culture on this culinary adventure. Book now!

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Further Reading

Author

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James lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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