Gulp Hablo Red Wine 2022

The Parra family, comprising three brothers – Francisco, Javier, and Luis – embarked on their winemaking journey with a deep connection to their homeland of La Mancha. Motivated by a sense of place and tradition, they established their estate with a firm commitment to organic and biodynamic farming practices for all their vines.

The family manages two expansive vineyards near Las Messas (The Tables) in La Mancha, covering approximately 445 acres or 180 hectares. The first vineyard, Entresendas (Between Paths), is located in a former riverbed, benefiting from the nutrient-rich, alluvial soils ideal for grape cultivation. The second vineyard, officially named Olla del Monte (Cooking Pan in the Mountain), is locally known as Cuesta Colorá. This vineyard is notable for its colorful, chalky clay soils with a surface layer of pebbles that retain warmth throughout the night.

For their Gulp/Hablo line of delightful wines, the Parra family collaborated with Juan Antonio Ponce of Bodegas Ponce. This partnership has enabled them to produce high-quality wines that stand out in the market, balancing exceptional taste with competitive pricing.

The Castilla-La Mancha wine region in central Spain is one of Europe's largest and most diverse wine-producing areas. Known for its vast vineyard expanse, the region covers a significant part of central Spain, surrounding the cities of Toledo, Ciudad Real, Cuenca, and Albacete. This area is characterized by a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, generally favorable conditions for viticulture.

The predominant grape varieties in Castilla-La Mancha include Tempranillo, locally known as Cencibel, along with international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. White wine production also thrives, with Airén being the most planted grape, covering vast tracts of the region. This grape is often used for still white wines and as a base for brandy production.

Castilla-La Mancha is divided into several Denominaciones de Origen (DOs), including La Mancha, the largest and perhaps the most recognized. Other notable DOs include Valdepeñas, known for quality red wines, and Manchuela, which has gained attention for its Bobal and Malbec varieties.

This region is traditionally known for producing high-volume, value-oriented wines. However, there has been a shift towards quality and innovation in recent years, with increased attention to limited production, high-quality wines, and sustainable viticultural practices. Modern winemaking techniques and careful vineyard management have led to a rise in the region's reputation, showcasing the potential of its terroir and grape varieties.