Bodegas Ponce, Clos Lojen

Bobal

La Mancha, Spain 

At Bodegas Ponce S.L. Juan Antonio Ponce taps a network of old vineyards throughout the southwestern Manchuela region, specializing in fresh renditions of the rustic, notoriously difficult, Bobal grape variety. 
Ponce didn’t choose a career in winemaking on a whim – life among the vines has been his lifelong endeavor. He enrolled at the Requena School of Viticulture and Oenology at just 14, and during his time there, conceived a plan to one day run his own winery. After finishing his studies, he landed a winemaking and vineyard management role at Compañía Telmo Rodríguez, where he got to craft wines in regions across Spain, compiling a wealth of practical viticultural knowledge.

In 2005, at just 23 years old, Juan Antonio brought that knowledge back home to Manchuela and realized his long-awaited dream to start a family winery. His father contributed some land he owned in the region, and the two began farming it together.