WINE INFORMATION

Castilla la Mancha, known as the “heart of old Spain”, occupies a region smack in the center of the Iberian Peninsula. The iconic (and romantic) setting of 17th century’s Don Quixote, boasts a landscape dotted with castles, windmills, the occasional  mountain range, and perhaps most importantly for wine lovers, historic vineyards.  The quintessentially renaissance region also boasts UNESCO cultural heritage sites and timeless gothic cathedrals, (as well as the world famous Manchego cheese - made from sheep’s milk under the strictest quality control conditions) yet is still considered to be a quiet escape from nearby Madrid.

Wines crafted in the region are thought to be some of the best valued wines in Spain. The Bobal grape is a dark-skinned and tannic red native to Valencia, and is currently the second most planted red grape in Spain. Vines are long-lasting and robust.

Bodegas Ponce was established in 2005 by then 23-year-old Juan Antonio Ponce who today is considered the master of Bobal and a great influencer for the region. He worked in Loire and Burgundy and loves lower alcohol food-friendly wines.  This is a challenge in his area but he has managed to achieve it with this wine. His vineyards are comprised of ungrafted vines planted as early as 1935.

Grapes for this wine are farmed using biodynamic methods. The vines were planted in 1965. After hand-harvest the grapes lightly pressed and the juice is transferred to stainless steel tanks were fermentation occurs.  The low-sulphur wine ages  for 6 months in large neutral barrels before being bottled, unfined and unfiltered.

TASTING NOTES

Aromas of red cherries, kumquat and salinity. This is definitely a rose to be enjoyed with food with its small red fruit flavors, minerality and plum notes. It is medium to light in body with a refreshing finish.

FOOD PAIRING

Enjoy with paella or risotto, grilled veggies, chicken, ham, turkey or soup and salad. 

Charcuterie, Chicken/Turkey, Green Salads, Grilled preparations, Ham, Hors d'oeuvres, Perfect Aperitif , Vegetables