Bodegas Finca la Estacada

  • La Mancha, Spain
Bodegas 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. 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 (thus the name) 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 fresh tasting and berryish with ample, pleasing fruit while the white feels kinetic on the palate and shows a beautiful marine influence, even though the ocean is hundreds of kilometers away.

The climate and land at Estacada are easily suitable for working without systemic chemical influences. Little surprise then, that they have been practicing organic for many years, which is one of the many reasons Bowler began importing them. But recently they've deepened their commitment by certifying vegan and transitioning the winery to organic certification by 2023.

The winery is a member of "Wineries for Climate Protection." Developed by the Spanish Wine Federation (Federación Española del Vino - FEV), the WfCP is the first and only specific certification of environmental sustainability for the wine sector. WfCP certification is geared towards ongoing improvement and sustainability in wineries, based on four key areas: reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG), water management, waste reduction and energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Considering the prices being asked for wines of this quality and their conscientious production, these rank as some of the best values coming out of Spain today.