Highlights: Altolandon Bobal Extreme 2018 Manchuela, Spain
Bobal! You might be surprised to learn that this is Spain’s second-most planted red grape variety after Tempranillo. It’s found in Ribera del Jucar, Manchuela and Utiel-Requena (where most of it is). This is a high-altitude example from Manchuela, and it’s really good for the price, made from organically grown grapes. It’s concentrated, fruit-forward and grippy, but never strays into clumsy territory.
Altolandon Bobal Extreme 2018 Manchuela, Spain
14% alcohol. This is an organic wine made from the Bobal grape variety from high altitude vineyards (1100 metres). It shows a lovely concentration of fresh berry and cherry fruits with some floral, exotic aromas and nice intensity on the palate. Fresh, ripe and rounded with a sweet fruit profile, but also a touch of meaty, spicy savouriness. This is really satisfying. There’s a subtle green hint that frames the ripe fruit really well, and no oak character, which helps preserve the purity of the fruit. 89/100 (£10 Coop)