Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce

In southeastern Spain in the country's Manchuela region, the Bobal grape variety grows in sandy limestone soils. Known for its thick skin and rustic characteristics, Bobal is a lesser-known variety gaining international fame thanks to passionate winemakers like Juan Antonio Ponce.  

Juan founded Bodegas y Viñedos Ponce at the tender age of 23, after working for five years as the right-hand man of Telmo Rodriguez of Cia de Vinos Telmo Rodriguez. Juan's father owned some land in Manchuela and decided to partner with his son to help him start this exciting and unique winery. 

Juan hand-harvests his grapes and ferments them with indigenous yeasts. The bunches of grapes are then chilled to 8°C and fermented whole-bunch, with the stems, in a type of fermentation known as “remango,” which was once popular in Rioja.

Juan's philosophy is to create wines that convey Manchuela's terroir and pay homage to the region's iconic Bobal grape. Translating Bobal's bold, rustic characteristics into beautiful wines is not simple or easy, but Juan has mastered his craft and delivers incredible product.