Vega Tolosa (D.O. Manchuela)

The history of Vega Tolosa wines goes back to 1905 when the great-grandfather of the current management planted the first vineyards and started a small winery for local distribution. Tolosa family’s life has always been linked to wine. The actual manager of the vineyard, Juan Miguel Tolosa, can still recall how his great-grandfather made wine in a traditional way.

The family vineyards consist of 150 hectares of their own vines of the red wine varieties Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo and Merlot. While the white wine varieties are Macabeo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The plantations are located in various plots close to Casas Ibañez, at about 750 metres above sea level. Amongst the plantings there are 40 hectares of 80 years old Bobal.

All the vineyards are organically grown. Together with 150 hectares of organic vineyards, they have another 400 hectares of organic grasses and legumes. They sell these products to organic farmers who sell to the winery their manure to be reinstated in the vineyards together with the branches coming from the pruning. In addition, the vineyards are integrated among small forests of pines and oak trees. This allows a sustainable development of their environment and respects the existing biodiversity.

One of the main characteristics of Vega Tolosa wines is their micro-climate. Their production area is located on the most easterly borders of La Manchuela, about 120 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea. It is a privileged location: daytime westerly winds –warm and dry-, and nighttime easterly winds –fresh and humid- are suitable for a slow ripening of the grapes.

Vega Tolosa wines:

Vega Tolosa Blanco Selección (white) 50% Macabeo, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 15% Chardonnay - “It shows a clean, bright and crystalline aspect. On the nose it is characterized by the ability to wrap the environment with a predominant flavor of ripe banana, spiced up with a world of lychee, pear, melon and apple skin in different stage of maturity”. Maximiliano Bao, Spanish Golden Nose Award 2005.

Vega Tolosa Lágrima de Syrah (rosé) 100% Syrah - “It is presented with a pink raspberry color with a clean and bright aspect. On the nose, it evokes memories of fruit that matches the color, wilted flowers and a note of the candy ‘strawberry Lollies’ convoluted with a bewildering lactic note”. Maximiliano Bao, Spanish Golden Nose Award 2005.

Vega Tolosa Nature (red) 50% Syrah, 50% Tempranillo - “Bright dark cherry color. The nose evokes those wild fruits that have not yet begun to mature, jams reminiscent of strawberries” Maximiliano Bao, Spanish Golden Nose Award 2005.

Vega Tolosa Chardonnay Barrique (white) 100% Chardonnay / 3 months in oak barrels – “No swirling in the glass indicates balsamic notes and lactic memories represented clearly with dairy yogurt, some touches of aging on lees that intensify aromas like apples, pineapples and attractive flowers such as lady of the night. The contribution of barrel behave respectfully the wine, supplementing it with reminiscences of vanilla ice cream”. Maximiliano Bao, Spanish Golden Nose Award 2005.

Vega Tolosa Bobal Old Vines (red) 100% Bobal / 12 months in oak barrels - “Unmistakable flowery which characterizes the Manchuela Bobal supplemented with good oak spice (sandalwood, turmeric, smoke) and a touch of rock rose. Moderate extraction is appreciated but lively, fine and with commendable freshness”. Javier Pulido, Opuswine.

11 Pinos Bobal Old Vines (red) 100% Bobal / 3 months in oak barrels - With 11 Bobal old vines they try to offer a different and harmonious wine, with personality that expresses the singularity of the 80 years Bobal old vines, the microclimate and the privileged location of the vineyard. The wine was aged for 3 months in French oak barrels. “Our grandparents planted vines of the variety Bobal. Pine forest at that time covered much of La Manchuela. After 80 years, this extraordinary legacy offers us an excellent raw material for the production of quality wines”. Juan Miguel Tolosa, manager and winemaker.