Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce 'Ponce' Albilla Manchuela 2023

Producer: Bodegas Ponce
Region: Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Grape Varieties: Albilla
Viticulture: Biodynamic, Organic
Category: White
Size: 750ml

At Bodegas Ponce S.L. Juan Antonio Ponce taps a network of old vineyards throughout the southwestern Manchuela region, specializing in fresh renditions of the rustic, notoriously difficult, Bobal grape variety. Ponce didn’t choose a career in winemaking on a whim – life among the vines has been his lifelong endeavor.

They farm traditionally, avoiding irrigation whenever possible, and as they’ve grown, they’ve constructed their buildings with energy-conscious materials and air conditioning. Ponce shows a mastery of the native Bobal grape variety, but also uses varieties like Albilla, Moravia Agria, Monastrell, and Garnacha. They hand-pick everything earlier than most regional producers to give their wines, fresh acidity.

After chilling the clusters to 8°C, they ferment their grapes whole cluster—a technique known as “remango,” which was once popular in Rioja. Juan Antonio still works with his father in the vineyards, and his two children now assist with winemaking. He might have gained renown as a leader of Manchuela winemaking and a Bobal whisperer, but he hasn’t forsaken his mission to keep family at the center of his bodega.