6AUG11 Bodegas Vega Tolosa “11 Pinos” BOBAL, Manchuela, Castilla y Leon, Spain 2020 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19)
100% Bobal 14.0% ABV
Manchuela was part of La Mancha before becoming a separate DOP in 2004. It is surrounded on three sides by other DOPs: La Mancha to the west, Utiel-Requena to the east and Jumilla to the south. Chalky limestone soil and hot summers are hallmarks of this appellation. International varieties have been rapidly uprooting native varieties in Manchuela, but the Tolosa family (who founded their namesake winery in 1905) have resisted change, sticking with Bobal as their flagship variety. This full-bodied red see three months neutral French oak, with notes of black raspberry, black plum, hint of anise. The fruit is jammy on the attack, with mouth-drying tannins on the finish.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
Try this unique Spanish red with spaghetti and meatballs, classic Paella, red wine braised short ribs, succulent pork shoulder with buttered thyme-crusted corn, saucy barbecue ribs with corn on the cob, braised wild boar with Manchego polenta, Spanish style rabbit stew, chorizo, onion and potato Tortilla, herbed lamb chops, portobello mushrooms hot of the grill, rosemary scented pork chops with wild rice and even seared tuna steak with Romesco sauce and spiced potato wedges. Or simply enjoy this luscious red with dreamy regional cheeses such as Cabrales, aged Manchego, Idiazábal and Montsec.