CLOS LOJEN 2010, BODEGAS PONCé

Photos are illustrative only.

TASTING NOTES

'Bobal between 30 and 50 years old grown biodynamically at 700 m in the region that Victor de la Serna put on the international map. Aged for seven months in old oak, this is Ponce's Beaujolais style, made as 'naturally' as possible, though it seems much grittier and more savoury than most Beaujolais to me. I'm not sure I'd want to drink it without food but could imagine it being heavenly with slices of chorizo.'
Jancis Robinson MW

PRODUCER NOTES

Young, up and coming winemaker Juan Antonio Ponce is a passionate advocate of the native grape variety, Bobal and learnt many of his skills from his father, who still works in the vines. Juan Antonio has studied and travelled extensively in France and, like his friend Daniel Jimenez Landi he has been seduced by the theories of biodynamics.

Clos Lojen is a fresh example of Bobal grown in this way and a great introduction to his wines. PF standing for Pie Franco is made solely from ungrafted vines from 65 to 85 years old, on limestone and sand. Pino is from a cool sited vineyard of 30 years which produces very elegant fruit. The stronger, more masculine Estrecha comes from a single limestone vineyard of 75 years. All stunning wines that should not be missed.

Juan Antonio has done it again, this time with his first white, El Reto (‘the Challenge'), a barrel-fermented number featuring local rare variety Albilla de Manchuela, just named as Wine of the Week with Jancis Robinson. There is also a ‘sister' line, a new fresh, light but complex red called Buena Pinta (which literally translates to ‘looking good' as everyone that tasted it said ‘Tiene buena pinta!') made from Garnacha and local variety Moravia Agria. Both are small production and organic.

All items from Bodegas Poncé