Bodegas ponce La Casilla Bobal 2021

One of the most defining grape varieties in Spain

Since time immemorial, three grape varieties have been decisive in viticulture in southeastern Spain: garnacha, monastrell and bobal. Where the first two acquired international fame, the bobal was often used locally for the production of bulk wines, and thus fell more and more into oblivion. However, Manchuela pioneer Juan Antonio Ponce proves that this grape can also produce beautiful, classy wines.

He makes his very refined wines at his bodega in Iniesta, inland near Valencia. The vineyards are located at altitudes up to 800 meters above sea level and are planted with mostly old, untrained and sometimes even ungrafted vines. The different terroirs provide equally diverse bobal expressions.

The grapes for this La Casilla come from thirty to seventy year old vines on very calcareous soils. Juan Antonio picks them by hand and ferments the entire bunches using grape yeasts. After fermentation, he ages the wine for seven months in French oak barrels, before bottling it unfiltered and unclarified.

It produces a finesse-rich, light-footed and intensely mineral red wine, with an almost un-Spanish, because very modest alcohol content. At the same time, la Casilla has sufficient strength and structure to suit a multitude of dishes and even to age for a few more years. A very beautiful wine!