Manchuela has been a free standing DO since 2004, previously being an IGT in the Castilla-La-Mancha region. Here we have a micro-climate situated between 2 rivers, which is very sunny and dry, so striking the right balance between alcohol and polyphenols is a balancing act. Everything cultivated on this farm is certified organic. Yields are just 50 hl/ha and sulfur is kept to a bare minimum. Whole clusters get cold soaked for 4/5 days and the wine is made semi-carbonic. Rus boasts her penchant for minimal intervention.
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Wine Description
Reviews / Scores / Notes
91 Points (2020 vintage review) -John Gilman, View From the Cellar
“2020 Manchuela- Rus Jimenez (Mary Taylor Selections) The 2020 Manchuela from Rus Jimenez (and selected by Mary Taylor) is crafted from the Moravia Agria grape, which I have never previously had the pleasure to taste. The wine is made from forty-five year-old vines, fermented with native yeasts and raised in stainless steel. The 2020 version offers up a deep and complex, black fruity bouquet of cassis, dark berries, tree bark, coffee bean, dark soil tones, a touch of sweet botanicals and a smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and complex, with fine soil signature and grip, tangy acids, moderate tannins and a long, well-balanced and nicely soil-driven finish that closes with a note of bitter cherry. I have never drunk a wine from Manchuela before and find its style quite compelling, with some similarities to Canary Islands red wines, but with a bit more black fruity personality and warm weather character. This is an excellent wine and a ridiculously good value! 2023-2040. 91.”
-John Gilman, published by View From the Cellar. Suggested drinking: 2023-2040.
“All moravia agria from 45 year old vines. Native yeasts. Unique varietal character. Slightly perfumed overtones. Old vines intensity./ Yes, very old vines intense in terms of texture as well as flavor. That Taylor regional/varietal clarity. I’m game. 16.9.” – David Scheer, Village Corner, Ann Arbor, MI
Manchuela
The wind called “El Solano” blows across these high-altitude plains where Rus Jimenez runs her family farm called the Finca El Molar in Albacete. Rus runs the property after her father handed it to her in her twenties. She works with Luis, her enologist, and some vineyard hands who live on the property.
Moravia Agria is a rare varietal that is essentially only grown here in central/eastern Spain. Agria indicates ‘sour’ as opposed to its sweet counterpart called Moravia Dulce. This region is more known for Bobal and Graciano, but this free standing Moravia Agria truly took my breath away for it’s depth and elegance. Wonderful savory notes and rich ripe berry with elegant acidity make for a wine that is truly unique.
Size: 750mL
Denominacion: Manchuela
Soil Type: Limestone Clay
Varieties: 100% Moravia Agria
Age of Vines: 45 years
Farming: Organic
Yeast : Native / Indigenous
Alcohol: 12.5%
Aging Vessel: Stainless Steel
