La Mancha is located in Spain, and is the largest continuous vine-growing region on the planet. Located in Central Spain, it includes 182 municipalities, 300 wineries, and 22,000 grape-growers. The region was registered as a Denominación de Origen, DO, in 1976.
The viticulture dates back to the 12 century when the ancient Romans introduced grape vines to the region. The production of wine become commercially viable in the 1940’s when multiple cooperatives were set up in La Mancha.
The climate in the region is continental with extremely cold winters and long hot summers. These extremes make grape growing challenging as the region only has an average of 12 to 16” of rainfall every year. The grapes that are planted in the region need to be tolerant as the winters are often accompanied by frost. During the summer, the temperatures can reach 104°.
The soil is homogenous and flat forming brownish red sandy clay that is rich in lime and chalk. The land rises from north to south and is 40 meters above sea level.
The Airen grape is the most popular producing rose wines, with Cencibel, Tempranillo, leading the red grape variety in the region. La Mancha is known for full-bodied Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
El Cortijillo Tempranillo La Mancha is made from 100% Tempranillo
Up front aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit, medium to light weight, Rhône wine in character, cherry fruit flavors, followed by bright acidity.
Reminds of a mythical cross between a Pinot Noir and a Côtes-du-Rhône. Pleasant and fun, bistro red.
Made from 30 year old vine.
Delicious with Paella, hamburger or pasta. But also great with grilled vegetables. (bell pepper, eggplant, etc)
El Cortijillo Tempranillo La Mancha is made from 100% Tempranillo
Up front aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit, medium to light weight, Rhône wine in character, cherry fruit flavors, followed by bright acidity.
Reminds of a mythical cross between a Pinot Noir and a Côtes-du-Rhône. Pleasant and fun, bistro red.
Made from 30 year old vine.
Delicious with Paella, hamburger or pasta. But also great with grilled vegetables. (bell pepper, eggplant, etc)
Finca del Castillo Tempranillo La Mancha is made from 30 year old vine Tempranillo (100%).
This pretty little red has a flavor reminiscent of good Cotes du Rhone. Medium bodied, flavorful; hints of raspberry and strawberry. Shows best with picnic fare and grilled meats. Perfect summer red.
Mineral and citrus notes.
RS : 2 g/liter
TA : 5.9g/liter
Fresh and elegant.
RS : 2g/liter
TA : 5.5g/liter
All older vintage wines have been purchased from a single collectors cellar. Pictures can be requested before shipment.
Bass Phillips Estate Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
For this reviewer's money, BP's Estate Pinot offers the best bang for buck. While still a special occasion wine, it's almost as gorgeous as its elder siblings, and crafted for drinking younger. Ironically, it's also the one that takes longest to open up. But when it does, it billows aromas of dried cranberry, cherry preserves, umami-like mushrooms, cocktail bitters and potpourri. The palate is silky with a lift of crystalline acidity, wound ultra fine, talc-like tannins. An iron fist in a velvet glove, this is long and elegant, able to age another 5-7 years but drinking beautifully right now.
-Wine Enthusiast 95 Points