Bodegas Altolandon, Doña Leo, Manchuela, Spain, 2020

Producer Profile

Owner & winemaker, Rosalia Molina, makes organic wines in one of Spain's highest altitude wineries. Her mission is to make wines that express the typicity of DO Manchuela: the vineyard, the altitude and the varieties planted.

This is a climate on the edge of what is possible: at 1,100 metres above sea level, the grapes experience a large diurnal range that encourages even ripening and helps to retain natural acidity. Rosalia's vineyards are certified organic, she uses only natural fertilisers, promoting biodiversity by welcoming chickens, sheep and pigs from local farms to roam the vineyards freely. Grapes are hand harvested and vinified as naturally as possible with native yeasts and little other intervention. The wines are then aged in clay amphora and some in French oak to give texture and complexity.

Viticulture

The vineyards for Doña Leo are around 60 years old, facing north-south, surrounded by mountains but on a flat plain. The vineyards are farmed organically, sustainably and biodynamically with vines cordon trained and spur pruned.

Winemaking

Skin contact for 12 hours with a temperature controlled spontaneous alcoholic fermentation after which the wine is pressed. No malolactic fermentation. The wine is kept on its lees for 8 months in the stainless steel tanks and goes through battonage twice a week. Stabilisation is also natural when during the coldest months, temperatures can go to minus 15º C.

Oak Ageing

No oak ageing

Tasting Note

Close to golden in colour, the floral nose leads into white flowers, roses and orange peel. The palate is nicely structured for a dry muscat, with more herbs and a pleasant bitterness on the finish. Excellent acidity and freshness with a clean finish.

Food Matching

Poultry and white meat dishes, especially veal, also fish and shellfish with butter sauces.