The El Cortijillo Estate
El Cortijillo means the little farm in Spanish. The wine is made by Vinicola de Castilla in Manzanares (Ciudad Real) in an up to date, state of the art winemaking facility (30,000 sq meters/300,000 sq ft) with the capacity of producing 2 million liters and holding 8,000 barrels. Founded in 1976, it's a privately owned corporation (not a co-op). Since its inception, a DO La Mancha pioneer in fruit-driven young wines, barrel-aged reds and varietals. More than 600 international awards for their wines.
Production by type: 65% Red wine, 35% White and Sparkling.
Export sales represent 50% of the production. The winery exports to 22 countries.
Capacity is 20,000,000 liters, currently running at 12,000,000 liters of yearly production.
This Bodega likes to promote their Crianza wines.
The El Cortijillo Vineyards
The winery and the vineyards are all located in the "La Mancha" DO. Tempranillo is the primary grape varietals and it represents 70% of the total production.
They grow the following 5 red grape varietals:
· Tempranillo
· Cabernet Sauvignon
· Merlot
· Petit Verdot
· Syrah
They also grow the following 6 differents types of White grape varietals:
· Verdejo
· Airén
· Macabeo
· Sauvignon Blanc
· Moscato
· Chardonnay.
The wines are all produced with grapes they only grow themselves. They own 50 hectares, and they currently rent another 550 hectares (long term leasing contract).
El Cortijillo Blanco La Mancha is made from 100% Verdejo
El Cortijillo Verdejo shows a pale straw green color. It is fresh and aromatic with floral notes, peach, crisp apple and tropical fruits. A mineral accent and herbal notes. Good acidity, it is refreshing on the palate, fruity and smooth.
El Cortijillo Tempranillo La Mancha is made from 100% Tempranillo
Up front aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit, medium to light weight, Rhône wine in character, cherry fruit flavors, followed by bright acidity. Reminds of a mythical cross between a Pinot Noir and a Côtes-du-Rhône. Pleasant and fun, bistro red.
Made from 30 year old vine.
Delicious with Paella, hamburger or pasta. But also great with grilled vegetables. (bell pepper, eggplant, etc)
El Cortijillo Tempranillo La Mancha is made from 100% Tempranillo
Up front aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit, medium to light weight, Rhône wine in character, cherry fruit flavors, followed by bright acidity. Reminds of a mythical cross between a Pinot Noir and a Côtes-du-Rhône. Pleasant and fun, bistro red.
Made from 30 year old vine.
Delicious with Paella, hamburger or pasta. But also great with grilled vegetables. (bell pepper, eggplant, etc)
Paul Hobbs George Menini Estate Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Brilliant ruby red in the glass, the 2022 vintage follows the color with matching aromas of wild mountain strawberry, raspberry, and cherry infused with hints of black tea. On the palate, this wine has the texture of thick satin, evolving seamlessly with subtle energy and pleasant tension. Elegant, fine-grained tannins run through a lingering, juicy finish.
Review:
This has fantastic intensity and focus with firm and racy tannins that show blue fruits, orange peel, hibiscus flowers and plants. Medium body. Acid and tannin driven. Complex structure. 85% of this is heritage clones of Mount Eden, Calera and Swan. Drinkable, but better in two or three years.
-James Suckling 97 Points
Johns Bay Sauvignon Blanc is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
This elegant dry white wine is bursting with delicious tropical fruit aromas and delicate floral notes. The palate is clean, zesty and refreshing, full of ripe citrus flavors and crispy acidity.