Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce 'Ponce' Albilla Manchuela 2023

Juan Antonio made his dream of launching his own winery a reality in 2005 at the age of 23. After studying at the Requena School of Viticulture and Oenology (where he enrolled at age 14), he worked in winemaking and vineyard management at Compañía Telmo Rodríguez, gaining valuable experience he brought back home to Manchuela. His father offered some land he owned in the area and the two began farming it together, as they still do today, now assisted by a third generation, Juan Antonio’s children. The estate’s high elevation vineyards are certified organic and farmed using biodynamic practices as well, with an emphasis on terroir expression. Made from the albilla grape, the wine is fermented whole cluster (a once-popular technique in Rioja known as “remango”), and is aged for 11 months in foudres with extended lees contact. Complex layers of toasted, smoky aromas open the show, swiftly followed by a palate characterized by citrus and stone fruit notes all supported by an underlying salinity. Rich and incredibly textured on the palate, a lingering finish delivers more savory, briny notes, perfect for pairing with a variety of cuisine. Certified organic, biodynamically grown, low-intervention/natural wine.