# Estenas Bobal (2024)

- **Producer:** Vera de Estenas
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Bobal
- **Region:** Valencia, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.7%
- **Average price:** €12
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackcurrant, herbaceous, mint, fennel

## About this wine

Vera de Estenas was founded in 1945 by Francisco Martínez Bermell and is managed today by winemaker Félix Martínez Roda. Located between 730 and 800 meters elevation near the Estenas River in Utiel-Requena, the estate has played a pioneering role in elevating the quality and international recognition of the indigenous Bobal grape. In 2013, Vera de Estenas was granted Spain's prestigious Vino de Pago single-estate classification.

## Interesting facts

- Aged in traditional clay amphorae (tinajas) inside a historic 19th-century underground cellar.
- Sourced from ancient Bobal bush vines up to 95+ years old growing at 800 meters elevation.
- Recognized with Spain's elite Vino de Pago single-estate classification in 2013.

## Food pairing

The bright acidity, fresh crunchy fruit, and moderate chalky tannins of old-vine Bobal complement savoury roasted meats and Mediterranean herb preparations. The lively acidity cuts through rich animal fats while harmonious botanical notes complement garlic, thyme, and roasted vegetable flavors.

## Wine making process

Hand-harvested from organically farmed old bush vines ranging from 55 to over 95 years of age. Destemmed grapes undergo temperature-controlled skin maceration in traditional concrete vats using indigenous yeasts. After gravity-fed malolactic fermentation, the wine ages for 3 to 4 months in traditional clay amphorae (tinajas) and concrete vats to preserve pure fruit intensity without oak influence.