The Finest Finca in Rioja?
As we continue to tell you about our producers and specifically those producing White Rioja, we must introduce you to one of our most consistent and prolific wineries Rioja, and indeed neighbouring Navarra has to offer.
Meet Bodegas Manzanos.
Here at The Tapas Room, we have a real soft spot for Finca Manzanos. Their wonderful wines have been on our list from the first day that we opened in Tooting nearly 7yrs ago, and indeed even when Donostia Social Club was buzzing in its container at Pop Brixton all those years ago!
Tapas Room founder, Paul Belcher says" The team at Finca Manzanos feels like family! We've been serving their wines since we opened DSC over 8years ago, and have been lucky enough to visit the winery and meet the brothers in person. It's an impressive operation and headed by the talented and infectiously enthusiastic winemaker Borja Ripa."
"Finca Manzanos is the brand that the fourth generation of the family Fernández de Manzanos created to name the first wines elaborated using the idea of gravity, meaning that we would use a different underground floor of our brand new château-style winery for every process. Our purpose was to offer a renewed style with unparalleled quality. The vineyards that we use are those surrounding the property where this winery, Bodegas Manzanos, is built. Finca Manzanos is still our best definition of what a Rioja wine is."
On the border between Rioja and Navarra, Victor Manzanos carries on the work of the four generations before him.
With over 250ha of owned vineyards at his disposal, including some of the oldest vines in Rioja, Bodegas Manzanos is fortunately placed to put both the sub-region of Rioja Oriental and the name Manzanos firmly on the map as one of the most important areas and producers in Rioja. This range of wines is a modern take on the traditional landscape of Rioja, championing the native grape varieties, Tempranillo, Viura and Garnacha. The team is the youngest in the region, a talented group of people with the sole purpose of making wines that people will enjoy.
Viticulture 300ha of vineyards are planted on clay-limestone soil at an average height of 400m above sea level. Meticulous attention to detail in the vineyards, coupled with the extreme climate, offer the perfect conditions for the production of great wines. Grapes are all hand-picked in early October.
Winemaking Borja Ripa and Victor Fernandez de Manzanos control the winemaking and influence the modern, fresh and vibrant Manzanos style at their state of the art vinification facilities. They own the oldest winery within the appellation, located in Haro and a contemporary winery in Azagra, both using gravity flow systems to avoid over-handling of the juice. Fermentation is carried out in a variety of fermentation vessels which adds complexity to their wines, temperature controlled to retain fruit purity and meticulously aged in a combination of French and American oak.
Finca Manzanos Blanco
This wine is without a doubt one of the most popular on our list and with good reason.
Varieties
Viura 85%
Chardonnay 15%
Winemaking
Fermentation in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature and matured on the lees.
Oak Ageing
No oak ageing
Tasting Note
Bright yellow with hints of gold. Fresh aroma of fruit, such as apricot. Rounded, long and pleasant on the palate.
Food Matching
Ideal with paella and all types of seafood.
Other White Riojas produced by Finca Manzanos, and that will occasionally pop up on our lists as specials include:
Finca Manzanos Tempranillo Blanco
Varieties
Tempranillo Blanco 100%
Winemaking
Fermentation in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature and matured on the lees in oak barrel.
Oak Ageing
Time: 4 Months Type: French and American % wine oaked: 100
Tasting Note
Plentiful aroma with sweet notes, chamomile and secondary aromas of peach, citrus and tropical fruits. All assembled in perfect harmony with the creamy notes and spices from the oak barrels.
Food Matching
Simple grilled fish and shellfish, garlic prawns or grilled squid.
Stepping across the border and into Navarra and you will find a Manzanos Chardonnay and again has been a consistent presence on our list, breaking the assumption that all Chardonnays are "oaky". This one hasn't seen an ounce of oak in its life!
Castillo De Enériz Chardonnay, Navarra
Varieties:
Chardonnay 100%
Winemaking
Fermentation in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature and matured on the lees.
Oak Ageing
No oak ageing
Tasting Note
Very bright lemon yellow colour with an intense tropical and stone fruits aroma. Fresh, with a typical silky touch on the mouth.
Food Matching
Seafood, chicken and pasta.