Finca Elez is one of Spain's estate-specific Vinos de Pago. The estate was awarded the status in 2002, at the same time as Dominio de Valdepusa, making them joint first to be accorded the title. The finca (or 'farm' or 'property' in English) is located near the small village of El Bonillo, in the province of Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha. This places it approximately 155 miles (250km) from Madrid. This family bodega (winery) is owned and run by Manuel Manzaneque, a former actor and film director, and his sister Sofia.
Winemaking in Castilla-La Mancha dates back to at least Roman times, but Finca Elez was the first estate to be estalished so high in the picturesque Sierra de Alcaraz mountain range. The vineyard sits at an altitude of 3540ft (1080m) above sea level, making it one of the highest in Spain. The elevated location is a defining characteristic of the estate's wines.
Finca Elez occupies 34 acres (85ha). Because it is a VP, all wines bottled under the designation must be made from estate-grown grapes and then be vinified and aged in the estate's winery.
The high altitude of the vineyard and the continental climate of the region mean there are significant temperature variations between seasons and also diurnally (from day to night). They can vary up to 68°F (20°C) in one day. This allows for a long ripening season and helps to retain freshness in grapes, adding to their quality.
The soils of Finca Elez are loose, consisting mostly of sandy clay. Limestone components (which help with water retention) as well as denser ochre and marl pieces also make up the soil. There is a high potassium content also, which adds to the complex tapestry of the terroir. In addition, thanks to the estate's small size, vines are rarely more than 650ft (200m) from the bodega, greatly reducing the risk of grape damage during transportation.
Finca Elez specializes in the production of red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Spain's revered Tempranillo. Its wines are all blends, apart from a varietal Syrah. Chardonnay is the only white-wine grape planted on the estate and two varietal wines are made from it, both of which undergo barrel fermentation in French oak.
Finca Elez's wines tend to be structured and complex and reflect the playfulness and theatre of Manzaneque's background.
