Finca Sandoval, `Aurora`

Finca Sandoval, in Manchuela, is led by local businessman and wine enthusiast, Angel Garcia-Cordero and talented Valencian winemaker Javi Revert, who has been at the helm since 2019. Born and raised in a grape-growing family, Javi is described by Luis Guitierrez (The Wine Advocate, 2024) as “one of the most exciting young growers in the Mediterranean zone of Spain.” He brings a wealth of ambition and talent to Finca Sandoval, creating exciting, innovative wines that evidence why Manchuela deserves our attention.

Finca Sandoval farm 26 hectares of organically certified vineyards, planted between 700-1,000 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Cuenca mountains. The region, once known for its saffron production, was largely abandoned in the mid-20th century as workers fled agricultural work for the big cities. Producers like Finca Sandoval have been fundamental to its revival. The soils here are mainly sandy limestone, and Finca Sandoval’s oldest vineyards are planted to the region’s heritage varieties Bobal, Monastrell and Garnacha. Javi Revert’s commitment to celebrating the region’s Bobal grape is reflected in their recent acquisition of several venerable vineyards planted with gnarly and ungrafted Bobal vines dating back to the 1930s and 40s. They also have Syrah vines, cultivated from cuttings taken from Château de Beaucastel over 25 years ago, and some Touriga Nacional.

Finca Sandoval’s winemaking philosophy has evolved under Javi, who has embraced indigenous yeasts, whole bunch fermentations and limited the influence of new oak. He focuses on blends based around Bobal and Syrah, producing distinctive wines that exude freshness.

‘Salia’ blends Syrah with Bobal and Touriga Nacional, co-fermented and aged for 12 months in old, large oak barrels and foudres. The wine has wonderful depth and freshness, with spicy notes and velvety tannins. The estate’s signature wine, ‘Finca Sandoval’, is predominantly Syrah sourced from select limestone-rich plots. Luis Gutiérrez (The Wine Advocate) describes it as “one of the purest expressions of Syrah in Spain”.

‘Fundamentalista’ is a field blend centred around 50% Bobal co-fermented with at least four other varieties. No oak is used, with the 1,000-litre amphorae contributing to an aromatic and expressive palate of wild red fruit, dried herbs and a hint of black olive. The ‘La Rosa Bobal’ is only produced in exceptional years, from the estate’s highest vineyard, planted in 1939. The age of the vines, combined with the stony soils, inhibits Bobal’s natural vigour, revealing the very best of this variety. Aged in 2,500 litre French oak barrels for 14 months, this characterful wine embodies the essence of the Mediterranean. Fresh and herbaceous, with a savoury undertone, it boasts a precision and vibrancy rarely found in this part of Spain.

Finca Sandoval also produces a remarkable white wine, ‘Aurora’, that celebrates lesser-known local varieties, including Albilla Manchego, Amrisancho, Tortosí and Trepadell, co-planted in ancient Bobal vineyards.