Castillo de Aresan Cabernet Sauvignon Bourbon Barrel

A red wine with a whiskey story Castillo de Aresan Cabernet Sauvignon Bourbon Barrel is one of the most unusual reds on our shelves. It starts as a classic Spanish Cabernet Sauvignon from the high, sun-soaked plains of Castilla-La Mancha. Then it is aged in barrels that were first used to mature American bourbon. The result sits somewhere between a bold red and a fine whiskey: all the dark fruit you expect from Cabernet, with the sweet, toasty warmth that bourbon lovers know. Why bourbon barrels? Bourbon must be aged in new, charred American oak barrels, so each barrel is used for bourbon only once. Winemakers then give those barrels a second life. The charred, whiskey-soaked oak passes on flavours that ordinary wine barrels cannot: vanilla, caramel, toffee and a soft smokiness. It also rounds out Cabernet’s tannins, so the wine feels smooth and velvety rather than grippy. Where it comes from Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain is one of the largest wine regions in the world. Its dry climate, with hot days and cool nights, ripens Cabernet Sauvignon fully while keeping it fresh. The grapes are hand-harvested and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel before the wine goes into barrel. Tasting notes Colour: Deep, brilliant ruby. Nose: Blackcurrant, blackberry and ripe plum, with vanilla, caramel and a hint of smoky spice. Palate: Full-bodied and round, with ripe dark fruit, toasted oak and soft, integrated tannins. Finish: Long and warming, with a touch of sweet spice. Award-winning The 2021 vintage won a Gold medal at The Global Cabernet Sauvignon Masters 2026 , judged by The Drinks Business. What to eat with it This is a wine for fire and smoke. Pour it with nyama choma, grilled steak, BBQ ribs, a proper burger or slow-cooked beef. It is also excellent with mature hard cheeses, and many guests enjoy a glass on its own, the way they would a good whiskey. Who will love it Whiskey and bourbon drinkers curious about wine. Red wine lovers who like their reds smooth, rich and full-bodied. Anyone looking for a gift with a story to tell. Serving Serve at 16–18°C. In Nairobi’s warmth, 20 minutes in the fridge before pouring gets it there. No decanting needed, but a few minutes in the glass lets the vanilla and caramel open up. Order online for same-day delivery in Nairobi on orders before 2pm, or shipping across Kenya. Or try it by the glass at The Wine Shop, Loresho.