The provenance Manchuela DO is probably unknown to most Spain fans, at best insiders know the wine-growing region located in the south-east of Spain and in the hinterland of Valencia, which officially belongs to Castillo La Mancha. However, these insiders know that Bodega Ponce is a true jewel of Spanish viticulture, whose outstanding wines will certainly contribute to making this region much better known among discerning wine lovers in the future. The man behind this unique project is Juan Antonio Ponce, who has created something unique in this remote corner of Spain. In Telmo Rodriguez, who has long been counted among Spain's winemaking legends, he found an ideal teacher, whom he accompanied for half a decade on his various projects in Spain. At the young age of 23, he then decided to set up his own winery in Manchuela, especially as his father already owned some land there. However, where other wineries rely on the pulling power of well-known or even international grape varieties, his aim from the outset was to give the local, indigenous grape varieties, above all the Bobal, but also the Moravia Agria and the Albilla Blanca, a worldwide reputation, and he is well on the way to achieving this. Today, Juan Antonio cultivates 17 hectares of his own vineyards and a few more hectares on lease. He attaches great importance to biodynamic work in the vineyards; all chemical or systemic products are banned. These vineyards are situated at airy and cool altitudes of 700 to over 800 meters above sea level, the vines that grow here on the gravelly, clayey and calcareous soils are up to 90 years old in some cases and only produce low yields. During the harvest, Juan Antonio attaches great importance to the right time to preserve the freshness of the wine. To this end, the grapes are always harvested in the early hours of the morning. All parcels are vinified separately in a very elaborate process. Ageing in the cellar is also carried out as gently and naturally as possible. He has exorcized the Bobal of its often rustic characteristics and proven that this variety is capable of great and exciting results. His wines, which are based on the Burgundy ideal, have already received the highest praise from critics for their delicate, lively and profound character. They are sure to find their way onto the tables of wine nerds.
