Finca la Estacada

Finca La Estacada is a family-owned winery in Castilla-La Mancha, founded in 2001 on a large property about 40 minutes from Madrid by car. American Todd Blomberg serves as their winemaker and export manager. Several varieties of grapes are cultivated on 278 hectares of rolling hillside vineyards owned by the estate. The Ocho y Medio (8 1/2) wines are farmed at 850m elevation in clay soils with a lime substrate. Thanks to the high elevation and calcareous influence from the lime, the wines are lighter and brighter than one might expect from central Spain. The reds are high-toned and berryish with pleasing fresh fruit while the white feels kinetic on the palate and shows a beautiful marine influence, even though the ocean is hundreds of kilometers away. Todd calls the viticulture at Finca La Estacada “transitioning organic,” and views the climate and land easily suitable for working without systemic chemical influences. Considering the prices being asked for wines of this quality and conscientious production, these rank as some of the best values coming out of Spain today.