Ponce Blanco Manchuela DO- Bodegas Ponce - 2022

75 cl

Robert Parker: 94 points

Alcohol content: 12 % vol.

Grape varieties: 100% Albillo

Vinification:

Alcoholic fermentation in 600 litre barrels, maturation for 8 months in 600 litre barrels and 4500 litre foudres.

Tasting note:

The old Reto white wine was renamed after the family, as it was the first year in which the family's new vineyards were used, which account for almost 40 % of the blend of Ponce Blanco 2022. It was fermented in 600-litre barrels and 1,000-litre barrels, where it matured on the lees for seven months. The Albilla grape from Manchuela, which differs from the Albillo grape from Gredos, Ribera del Duero or the Canary Islands, has a low alcohol content (12 % this year) and high acidity and freshness (pH 3.1 and 6.2 grams of acidity), which give it a sharp, fresh and austere profile.

The name can be a little misleading, as it is not as good for white wines as it is for red wines. It always has a hint of citrus fruit with hints of grapefruit. On the palate it is savoury with a combination of acidity and bitter flavours that give it an austere profile. It is a serious white wine beyond the price. 17,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2023.

Bodegas Ponce:

In the south-east of Spain, in the Manchuela region, the passionate winemaker Juan Antonio Ponce produces incredibly impressive, finesse-rich wines according to biodynamic guidelines. Mainly from the predominant grape variety here, Bobal, which has achieved international fame thanks to Ponce.