Finca Sandoval Fundamentalista 2025
Finca Sandoval Fundamentalista
Region: Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Vintage: 2025
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: Bobal, Garnacha
ABV: 14%
A clean and expressive nose showcases fresh wild red fruit with a clear sense of its clay-rich terroir. The palate is juicy and aromatic, offering flavours of black cherry and raspberry, complemented by dried herbs and subtle hints of black olive. Fine, moderately ripe tannins provide a silky texture, while the fresh acidity and well-defined flavours lead to a dry, savoury and persistent finish.
Finca Sandoval farm 26 hectares of organically certified vineyards located between 700-1000 metres on the slopes of the Cuenca mountains, in Ledaña village. The soils are mainly sandy limestone. The oldest vineyards are planted with the region’s heritage varieties Bobal, Monastrell and Garnacha, while the original Syrah and Touriga Nacional vineyards were planted by Víctor. The local white varieties are sourced from 50 to 80-year-old vines and include Albilla Manchego, Marisancho, Tortosí and Trepadell varities. They are co-planted in ancient Bobal vineyards on more calcareous soil that together with the altitude of the vines enhance the freshness of this wine.
The grapes were transferred directly to tank on arrival at the winery, with 50% retained as whole bunches and 50% destemmed. For some batches, the proportion was adjusted to 50% whole bunches, 40% destemmed fruit and 10% direct press. Fermentation took place with twice-daily pump overs until the desired extraction was achieved, followed by pressing. Each variety was vinified separately before blending, then aged for nine months in concrete tanks.
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. Today, the estate 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. Born and raised in a grape-growing family, Javi is described by Luis Guitierrez (The Wine Advocate, 2024) as “one of the most exciting young growers in the Mediterranean zone of Spain.” He brings a wealth of ambition and talent to Finca Sandoval, creating exciting, innovative wines that evidence why Manchuela deserves our attention.