Bodegas Ponce 2023 Manchuela White

The "Ponce" white, which is formerly known as Reto, is an organic wine from winemaker Juan Antonio Ponce, and the only white wine he produces. The 2023 consists of nearly all Albilla, a rare white grape native to the high-altitude calcareous soils of Manchuela. The grapes go through a cold, whole-bunch fermentation, and the wine is aged in 600L used French oak barrels for 10 months. This Albillo wine has a characteristic blend of silky crisp fruit and is balanced to create a medium-bodied palate noted by the bright acidity and cool minerality that marks all of Ponce's wines. This minerality and acidity comes from the clay soil of the Manchuela region that is rich with limestone. This deliciously unique and balanced Albillo pairs beautifully with rich seafood, pestos, grilled poultry, and cheese plates. A testament to the hands-on approach by Juan Antonio Ponce to create a new and improved Reto from years past!  -Elena Angerman