Mary Taylor "Finca El Molar" Macabeo, Manchuela, Spain 2023

FROM MARY TAYLOR:

THE PRODUCER: The Mediterranean “Solano” wind blows across the high-altitude plains where Rus Jimenez runs her family farm named Finca El Molar in Albacete. Rus has been running the property since her early twenties, when her father passed it on to her. She works alongside Luis, her enologist, and a few vineyard hands who live on the property.

THE WINE: Finca El Molar is in the wine-making region of Manchuela, and currently a free-standing DO since 2004; previously an IGT in the Castilla-La-Mancha region. This high-altitude region is situated between two rivers and boasts a very sunny and dry climate while the Solano wind refreshes the night during ripeness. Finding the right distribution between alcohol and polyphenols is a balancing act. Pre-fermentation cold maceration for 4 days to extract varietal aromas followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks and post-fermentation maceration with the skins for 7 days. After racking, maturation requires contact with fine lees for 5 months. Rus prides herself on her passion for minimal intervention methods while keeping sulfur to a minimum. All Finca El Molar wines are certified organic.