Finca Sandoval Fundamentalista Tinto - Manchuela, Spain
Introduction:
The 2022 Finca Sandoval Fundamentalista from Manchuela DOP in Spain is a bobal-dominant field-blend that delivers an expressive, terroir-driven profile. It reflects a commitment to traditional winemaking, old-vine complexity, and organic farming.
Terrior:
The grapes come from old vines (roughly 80+ years old) in the Manchuela region, planted on calcerous clay soils at altitudes of 2400-3200 feet ASL. The climate is continental with Mediterranean influences; warm days and cooler nights help preserve acidity and develop aromatic complexity.
Tasting notes:
Aged for 10 months in clay amphorae, unfined and unfiltered, it has aromas of black cherries, black raspberries, and blackberries layered with subtle hints of black olives and smoky/mineral notes. The palate is medium-bodied yet concentrated, with the same fruit profile that is on the nose. Accents of brambly earth, Mediterranean herbs, and wet stone add complexity. Firm but pliant tannins lend structure; the white grapes in the final blend contribute freshness and lift. The finish is long and clean, with notes of black fruits and chalky minerality - a nod to the region’s terroir.
Press:
92 points, Tim Atkins, MW:
"Finca Sandoval has been one of the driving forces behind the revival of the high-altitude Manchuela Denominación de Origen, located close to the Mediterranean on the slopes of the Cuenca mountains. Based on bobal, the most important local grape, with support from other rare varieties and a splash of more international syrah, this is juicy, vibrant, and entirely unwooded, with understated old-vine concentration, raspberry, plum, and strawberry flavors, granular tannins, and a fresh, chalky finish."
92 points, Wine Advocate:
"It has a very clean and expressive nose, focused, serious, and elegant. It has a medium-bodied palate with moderate ripeness and alcohol (13%), fine tannins, an elegant, juicy, but serious mouthfeel, and a long, dry, and tasty finish. Impressive."
"It has a very clean and expressive nose, focused, serious, and elegant. It has a medium-bodied palate with moderate ripeness and alcohol (13%), fine tannins, an elegant, juicy, but serious mouthfeel, and a long, dry, and tasty finish. Impressive."
Overall Impression:
The 2022 Finca Sandoval Fundamentalista is a compelling and authentic expression of old-vine bobal (with supporting indigenous varieties), well-rooted in Manchuela’s high-altitude terroir. It balances ripe dark fruit, Mediterranean herbal complexity, and mineral structure with freshness and moderate alcohol, delivering a wine that’s both accessible and deep. It’s expressive but unpretentious: a wine for those who appreciate terroir-driven reds with character, subtlety, and a sense of place.
The 2022 Finca Sandoval Fundamentalista is a compelling and authentic expression of old-vine bobal (with supporting indigenous varieties), well-rooted in Manchuela’s high-altitude terroir. It balances ripe dark fruit, Mediterranean herbal complexity, and mineral structure with freshness and moderate alcohol, delivering a wine that’s both accessible and deep. It’s expressive but unpretentious: a wine for those who appreciate terroir-driven reds with character, subtlety, and a sense of place.
Recommended Food Pairing:
This wine pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled lamb, game meats (like venison), hearty stews, or dishes with Mediterranean herbs (rosemary, thyme, olives). It would also complement aged cheeses and roasted vegetables.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13%
Farming Practices: Certified organic, old-vine vineyard, co-planted with local red and white varieties
Producer Name: Finca Sandoval
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Spain
Region: Manchuela, Castilla-La Mancha
Grape Varietals: Primarily Bobal (old vines), co-planted with several indigenous white varieties and a splash of Syrah
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Red field-blend, terroir-driven, medium-to-full-bodied, moderately structured
Winemaking Techniques: Hand-harvested grapes; co-fermentation (field blend) in open vats; natural/native-yeast fermentation; 10 months aging in 1000 L clay tinajas (amphorae); minimal intervention; no fining or filtration; minimal sulphur
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork
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