San Isidro

From one of the poorest and least know regions of Spain, Bullas has lagged behind the notoriety of neighboring region Jumilla, which has become famous in recent years due to plantings by high-profile wine companies (Jorge Ordonez). However, Bullas is superiorly "high and dry," and has older vines on average. As a result, Juan Garcia Valera, is able to make absolutely delightful Monastrell (Mourvedre) from vines as old as 60 years, and as high as 2,100 feet above sea level! ALthough he is a fourth generation winemaker, Valera does not own a cellar - he can't afford it. Instead, he bottles his wine at the local co-operative the same way his fmaily always has. Al grapes, which are picked by hand, are placed into small baskets (a new change); and the Valeras are now separating their crus into different, small tanks for maximum control and expression of terroir. It is this type of thinking that caught our attention. We believe Juan's wine, made at San Isidro, will be a thing of beauty for many vintages to come.