From grain field to your own Vino de Pago
La Jaraba is a historic stretch of land between Villarrobledo in the province of Albacete and El Provencio in Cuenca, in the heart of La Mancha. The name dates back to the Arabs and literally means "water-rich land." Wines from this area were already known in the 18th century.
The current story begins at the end of the 1990s. Gaspar Fernández acquired an estate of nearly 1,000 hectares, which had previously been used for grain and hunting. After a soil study, the family planted the first vines in 1998. Subsequently, a winery, cheese dairy, and oil mill were built. In 2018, the second generation joined the business. In June 2019, the vineyard received its own designation of origin as a Vino de Pago with "La Jaraba DOP." This is the highest quality level in Spanish wine law.
Own vines, own sheep, hand-harvesting in small crates
The 80 hectares of vines are located at an altitude of just over 700 meters. They are surrounded by 92 hectares of holm oak and pine forest, which creates its own microclimate. The soils are of fluvial origin, loamy-sandy, and mineral-rich. This shapes the wines right into the glass. Manchega sheep also graze on the estate, and their manure is returned to the soil as organic fertilizer. Artisanal Manchego is made from their milk. Since 2010, an in-house mill has processed only olives from the estate.
Harvesting is done by hand in crates of less than 12 kilograms. The grapes are double-selected, first as bunches, then as individual berries. For the Merlot of the Pago de La Jaraba line, fermentation takes place for 10 to 14 days in French oak tanks. Malolactic fermentation and the six-month maturation also take place in French wood. The oenologists Pedro del Toro and Francisco Fernández are responsible in the cellar.
Three red wine lines and two whites from La Mancha
The range is divided into three red wine lines. Azagador is made from Tempranillo, Merlot, and Graciano. Viña Jaraba and Pago de La Jaraba are cuvées of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, with the top line made from specially selected grapes. In addition, there are two single-varietal white wines made from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The first bottles of white wine followed in 2014.
Stylistically, the focus is on intense, aromatic wines with clear mineral notes and balsamic aromas. The Azagador Crianza is the entry-level wine of the house: a red wine from La Mancha with wood aging that pairs well with braised meat, lamb, or aged Manchego. Those who would like to visit the estate themselves can tour the vineyards, cellar, cheese dairy, and oil mill by appointment and taste wines, cheeses, and oils.
