Ask how old the vines are here in this sunny dry area of La Mancha, and the reply is "Ciento Y Pico" ... a  hundred and something.   Despite the age of the vines, this is a young appellation recognised as DO Manchuela in 2004 - splitting from the larger regional DO La Mancha. Located between the Jucar and Cabriel rivers, it has a sunny and dry climate, tempered by mild Mediterranean winds.

Vina la Ceja is blend of Bobal and Garnacha Tintorera.  Bobal is the 'other other Spanish red grape, behind the more famous Tempranillo and Garnacha.  It is native to this region, and areas further south-east reaching to Valencia.  Historically it was used as a blending grape with the more famous varietals, but more recently is being produced as a varietal wine.  Note that Garnacha Tintorera is a separate but related grape to Garnacha.  Its more common name internationally is Alicante Bouschet, a cross breed of Grenache and Petit Bouschet created in the 1800s. It is one of few 'teinturier' grapes- one with red flesh and juice as well as the skins (almost all black grapes still have a pale interior and colourless juice).

“Color: youthful violet on the edges with purple hued. Aromas of fresh and intense strawberries followed by a brilliant range of raspberries combined with hint of spices, opening into a delicate minerality. All integrated beautifully. Palate is intense almost solid blueberry surrounded by delicate strawberries, underlying elegant hints of minerality. Creamy, fresh with silky tannins that open again into his deep fruity mineral character in the after taste.”