Finca Sandoval 'Salia'

Finca Sandoval was founded in 1998 by El Mundo editor and wine columnist Víctor de la Serna. His early influence brought this winery, and the overlooked region of Manchuela, to the attention of worldwide critics. Now under new ownership, Finca Sandoval 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.

The duo's work at Finca Sandoval has resulted in vibrant, soulful wines that epitomise Spain’s modern wine scene. Javi is a once-in-a-generation talent widely credited with revitalising interest in Valencian wine. Born and raised in a grape-growing family, he is described by Luis Guitierrez (The Wine Advocate, 2022) as “one of the best young winemakers from the Mediterranean zone of Spain.” Javi brings a wealth of ambition and talent to Finca Sandoval, creating exciting, innovative wines that showcase why Manchuela deserves our attention.

Finca Sandoval farm 26 hectares of organically-certified vineyards located between 700-1,000 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Cuenca mountains. These vines are perched among a network of medieval towns, topped with Moorish castles, on the banks of the Jucar River. 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. They also have Syrah and Touriga Nacional vineyards originally planted by Víctor when he bought the Finca. 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.

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 aims to produce distinctive wines that exude freshness. Finca Sandoval’s 2022 ‘Aurora’ is only the second vintage of this remarkable white wine and celebrates lesser-known local varieties, including Albilla Manchego, Amrisancho, Tortosí and Trepadell, co-planted in ancient Bobal vineyards.

Syrah, Bobal, Touriga Nacional

Finca Sandoval farm 26 hectares of organically certified vineyards located between 700-1000 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Cuenca mountains, in Ledaña village. The oldest vineyards are planted with the region’s heritage varieties on mainly sandy limestone soil : Bobal, Monastrell and Garnacha, while the Syrah and Touriga Nacional vineyards were planted by Víctor.

All the varieties were hand-picked simultaneously and transported to the winery where they were directly pressed. The grapes were co-fermented using indigenous yeasts, followed by ageing in 300 and 500 litre oak barrels, as well as 2500 litre foudres, for 12 months prior to bottling.

On the nose, this wine presents aromas of blackberries, blackcurrant and floral notes. There is an elegant freshness on the palate, which is complemented by flavours of black cherries, a touch of cinnamon and velvety tannins.