Bodegas Ponce Reto 2020

Cellar for up to 4 years. Serve chilled.

Juan Antonio Ponce founded his biodynamic winery at the tender age of 23 in the Manchuela region inland from Valencia which is best known for its powerful Bobal reds. Juan is passionate about working in harmony with nature and allowing the character of the local grape varieties to take centre stage. In the winery he practices wild yeast fermentation and uses minimal levels of sulfur dioxide.

Reto is the first white wine Juan has made at Bodegas Ponce using the Albilla grape, a traditional Spanish variety which dates back at least to the 15th century. Juan carefully hand harvests all his grapes from 40-60 year old vines and chills them when they reach the winery to preserve freshness. They are then fermented in whole bunches with the stems, a process called “remango” which was once common in Rioja.

Following vinification the young wine is aged in old barrels for 8 months on the lees to add extra complexity and a creamier texture. On the nose there are enticing notes of white peach, apricot and plenty of zesty citrus while the first sip reveals a medium body, well-rounded texture and long finish seasoned with toasted oak and vanilla spice.