Bodegas Gratias, Arroba, Manchuela, Spain, 2021

Producer Profile

When Ana and Iván got together for a party with some oenologist friends in 2007, they decided to make some wine and put it in a barrel.

The results were astonishing – and so Bodegas Gratias was born. After the success of their first vintage, the pair realized they had a chance to make a difference in a region whose wine industry was in decline. Today, Ana and Iván are on a mission to protect old vineyards of Bobal, Tardana and other local varieties, thereby preserving Manchuela’s vinous heritage while showcasing its ability to produce exciting wines for a new generation of wine drinkers. Their wines are artisanal and as natural as they come, made from organically grown fruit and fermented using naturally occurring yeasts with hardly any added sulphites.

Viticulture

Sustainable agriculture based on respect and common sense. The Pintaillo vines are not grown on specific plots and are part of a field blend, the only way to identify them is during veraisson when little spots called "pintas" appear on the grapes so to make things easier the plants of this variety are clearly marked. The soils are usually deep, poor and slightly chalky.

Winemaking

Artisanal and respectful winemaking. After the meticulous handpicked harvest, the grapes ferment in small tanks with manual pigeage done manually. The grapes are pressed in a vertical press and after some time in stainless steel tank, the wine is bottled.

Tasting Note

Raspberry like in colour. Fresh red fruit aromas followed by herbs and grass notes. Long lasting mouthfeel despite the subtle and elegant tanins.

Food Matching

Duck, roast lamb.