# Las Violetas (2023)

- **Producer:** Bodega Soto Manrique
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Garnacha
- **Region:** Castilla y León, Spain
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €17
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 12–14 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** violet, raspberry, cherry, fennel

## About this wine

Bodega Soto Manrique was established in 2012 by Jesús María Soto in the high-altitude Sierra de Gredos region of Ávila, Spain. Drawn by the unique granitic soils and old-vine Garnacha heritage, the estate focuses on site-specific wines. Las Violetas originates from three small, old bush-vine plots planted around 1940 in the Valverde paraje of Cebreros at 950 meters elevation, yielding an expressive single-site wine named for its characteristic floral profile.

## Interesting facts

- Grown on 80-year-old bush vines at 950 meters elevation on shallow granitic sandy soils.
- Named Las Violetas for the distinct floral violet aromas developed by Garnacha in Gredos.
- Only 5,500 bottles were produced for the 2023 vintage.

## Food pairing

The delicate structure, bright natural acidity, and fine tannins of this high-altitude Garnacha pair seamlessly with roasted poultry, tender meats, earthy mushrooms, and cured cheeses without overpowering their subtle flavors.

## Wine making process

Harvested manually in September 2023, the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts in concrete tanks and stainless steel, using a mix of whole bunches, uncrushed berries, and destemmed must. Maturation takes place over 12 to 14 months in large 2,000-liter oak vats. The wine is bottled with minimal filtration and low sulfur dioxide, preserving natural clarity without animal fining agents.