Bodegas y Vinedos Ponce Manchuela Albilla 2024 750ml

The entry-level white is the 2024 Ponce Blanco, which is a little confusing, because Ponce is used for the top-of-the-range red. This is the old Reto, a champion in drinkability, minerality and affordability, produced with grapes picked early because of the warm and dry conditions of the summer, keeping the alcohol level at 12.3% (12.5% on the label), with a pH of 3.1 and 6.4 grams of acidity. The picking date is the most important decision here, early this time. It comes from different vineyards, ages, soils and, for the third time, includes the plot by the winery at over 800 meters above sea level on rich limestone and gravel soils. It fermented in small 1,000-liter vats inside the cold chamber and matured in 600-liter barrels and 1,000-liter foudres for seven months, mostly without malolactic to keep the vibrant and saline part, even though some barrels might go through partial malolactic. The palate has more volume, the effect of the lees, but with a very good texture; it’s sapid and saline with very well-integrated oak (they are slowly renewing the barrels so as not to mark the wine). It’s incredible for the price, and it has a very good track record for aging potential. This year, 18,000 bottles were produced and volumes should grow in coming years as the new plantings in the higher part come into production. It was bottled in late March 2025.