Recent Arrivals from the "Prince of Bobal" -- Juan Antonio Ponce!

Share

We have praised the work of Juan Antonio Ponce many times over the years. The accomplishments of this talented young grower from Spain's central-eastern Manchuela region are well documented: certified oenologist by age 17; rigorous advocate of biodynamic farming and natural winemaking; and, perhaps most important, dedicated champion of the historically humble Bobal grape. Like other rustic, high-yielding varieties, Bobal has long been relegated to supporting roles in bulk wines and rosés from Manchuela (as well as neighboring D.O. Utiel-Requena). Because it is hard to argue that any grape variety should be destined for mediocrity, we never tire of winemakers who take chances by isolating a grape, a vineyard, or a parcel, investing in it and allowing it to shine. And, in the case of Juan Antonio Ponce, we never tire of the wines!

Ponce farms his family's Bobal vines organically and biodynamically with painstaking attention to subtle shifts in terroir. Vines range from 30 to 85 years of age and grow at 700m elevation in sandy, calcareous and clayey-calcareous soils; grapes are harvested by hand and fermented whole-cluster with native yeasts. The resulting wines are expressions of unique terroirs and vineyard parcels that he vinifies individually in large old foudres and barrels, allowing a touch of carbonic maceration to moderate Bobal's natural tannic thrust and high levels of acidity.

 

Lovers of Beaujolais appreciate the floral finesse, taut tannins, and frisky acid found in Ponce's reds alongside Spanish spice and flesh. In addition to the exuberant, herbal cuvèe P.F. (from 85-year-old Bobal on original rootstock) and the complex, mineral-rich Pino (from Bobal planted on a vestigial pine forest) we are happy to have the new vintage of Buena Pinta, based on the obscure Moravia Agria grape. It is also a pleasure to welcome the new vintage of Reto, Ponce's sole white wine. Made from Albilla (which might be the same grape as Albillo), Reto offers rich Iberian fruit, bright acid, and a silky texture that appeals to fans of elegant young whites from the Loire or Burgundy. -AR

No Longer Available

Ponce 2012 Manchuela Buena Pinta

Another lovely wine from another high acid, overlooked blending grape, Buena Pinta is 60% Moravia Agria from 60-year-old vines in calcareous soil and 40% Garnacha from 30-year-old vines in clayey-calcareous soils. In 2012, Buena Pinta shows great freshness with aromas of lavender, dark cherry, spearmint, and mossy rocks.  The palate is ripe, round and juicy with an energetic core of red berries, mocha and thyme, lively acidity, and youthful tannins that melt into the finish while adding grip. Fascinating and immensely delicious served cool. -CB/AR

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $17.99

Ponce 2012 Manchuela Reto Albilla

A dazzling follow-up to the luscious debut vintage, 2012 Reto features soft aromas of lemon oil, lime blossom, clover honey, ripe peach, parsley, pilsner beer, and cloves, with a bright, full palate of meyer lemon, lime curd, white flowers, lemon balm, dried apricots, pink peppercorns, and salty whey. Reto's intense minerality, chalky mouthfeel, and long saline finish are reminiscent of some of our favorite young Chenin Blancs and Burgundies. An extremely elegant, interesting, and versatile wine at this price point. Pairs beautifully with rich seafood, pestos, grilled poultry, and cheese plates. Welcome back, Reto! -AR

  • Out of Stock
  • white
  • 0 in stock
  • $19.99

Ponce 2011 Manchuela Pie Franco

Ponce's P.F. (Pie Franco) is 100% Bobal from 3.5 hectares of 85-year-old ungrafted vines planted in sandy calcareous soils. This wine is subtle but arresting, with aromas of black currant, violet petals, RC Cola, and grilled pineapple. Flavors of sweet blueberries, dusky black cherry, nettles, blue iris, lavender, and earth are laced by a very fine fizz that will make lovers of natural wines swoon. This is a smooth and unusual red that begs to be paired with gamey meats, grilled eggplant, and savory Middle Eastern fare. Pretty. Fabulous. -AR

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $24.99

Ponce 2010 Manchuela Pino

Pino is a complex and challenging wine from 30-year-old Bobal vines planted on a temperate limestone parcel that used to be a forest of pine trees (hence the name). Aromas of tart raspberry, brambly mulberries, and bright-fruited coffee ease into a brisk, angular palate that winds tight young tannins around chewy black fruit, licorice root, and orange peel. Juan Antonio calls this his "Atlantic wine" due to its cool, mineral style and balsamic-laced finish. This is the last of the vintage and a special wine for thoughtful drinkers. -CB/AR

  • Out of Stock
  • red
  • 0 in stock
  • $34.99