Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/39104
APPeLLAtionS Mantra of La Mancha VALUE’S THE WORD WHEN QUALITy AND pRICE ARE ALIGNED story and photos by Deborah Parker wong P roducers in La Mancha, Spain’s largest wine-producing region and one that covers half of greater Castilla-La Mancha area, began their journey on the path to quality some 20 years ago. At a recent tasting in San Francisco, sommelier Charlie Arturaola clearly demonstrated that many have arrived at their destination and are continuing their pursuit. Arturaola showcased mono-varietal wines made from indigenous reds such as Tempranillo and Garnacha as well as blends made from internationally-grown varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The indigenous variet- ies seem to have the upper hand when crafted in a modern style and, with the additional three-year aging requirement for the reserva category, they represent some of the best values to be found in the global wine market. Named from the Arab word al-man- sha, or “the dry land,” the arid, elevated plateau of La Mancha is home to 280 wineries, though co-operatives account for about 80 percent of production. Given the large number of labels being offered by the co-operatives, buyers should look to the producer first and then to a specific brand. Vinícola de Tomelloso 2010 Añil Joven ($9.50) 100% Macabeo with green fruit aromas and flavors, plenty of linear minerality from limestone sites. CATAMARCA IMPORTS 100% Tempranillo. Violet-hued with focused, juicy flavors. 2 / the tasting panel / august 201 1 Parra Jimenez Family 2010 Cuesta Colora Joven ($10) Organic and SO2 -free ROMERO & MILLER free 100% Garnacha with concentrated, Syrah-like aromas and flavors, balanced with generous weight and structure. ROMERO & MILLER Parra Jimenez Family 2009 Cuesta Colora ($10) Organic and SO2 Casa Gualda 2009 Casa Gualda Joven ($10) Bright, complex aromas with lean, earthy black fruit and granular tannins indicative of high-altitude sites. 90% Tempranillo, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot. PEDRO VALDES Bodegas Centro Españolas 2007 Allozo Crianza ($11.50) Rich, fruit-forward in style, 100% Tempranillo that is spicy and bright with chalky tannins from clay/limestone soils. WORLD OF WINES Bodegas La Remediadora 2008 La Villa Real Crianza ($12.50) Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend with generous floral aromas, spiced currant flavors and depth from toasty oak. WINE BRIDGE IMPORTS Dominio de Punctum 2010 Lamestra Roble ($13) Organic production with three months in oak showing ripe red fruit, drier tannins and a clean fin- ish. 70% Tempranillo/30% Cabernet Sauvignon. TERROIR WINE CELLAR Pablo Parra (left) and Ramon F. Romero from Parra Jimenez Family Wines at the San Francisco Tasting. - Miguel Angel Valentin Diaz, Director General, Bodegas Sentro Espanolas, with his Allozo. Sommelier Charlie Arturaola, advo- cate for the wines of La Mancha.