The belief that best wines must have exorbitant prices has been called into question by the recent Wine Searcher rankinga global wine research and evaluation platform. In his latest publication he selected the best wine in Spain, sold for only 7 euros. It is about Clos Lojen, a wine from the Manchuela regionlocated between Cuenca and Albacete. This red wine, made with grapes of the Bobal varietyhas stood out all over the world, surpassing other renowned wines. Despite its price, Clos Lojen earned 93 Parker points, a rating that places it among the world’s wine elite.
What makes Clos Lojen special is not only its quality, but also its production philosophy. Unlike many wineries that invest in marketing and advertising, the producers of Clos Lojen have opted for a simpler and more authentic approachallowing the quality of the wine to be the main attraction. The wine is distinguished by its balance, softness and freshnesswith notes of ripe red fruits, a mineral touch and an elegant structure. Made with techniques of sustainable viticulture and with minimal intervention in the cellar, Clos Lojen demonstrates that it is possible to offer a high quality wine at an affordable price, defying market expectations.
It is the best wine in Spain
Clos Lojen, a Spanish wine produced by Ponce Wine Estateshas been recognized as the second best wine in the world in the prestigious Wine Searcher ranking. This red, which got 93 Parker pointscomes from the DO Manchuela and is made with grapes of the Bobal variety, an indigenous variety that has found a unique expression in this wine.
The winery, founded in 2005 by Juan Antonio Ponce, is known for its emphasis on sustainable viticulture and recovery of old vineswith deep respect for the environment and traditional production techniques. The vines over 30 years old, planted on clay-limestone soils at altitude, are cultivated with care to guarantee a harvest of the best quality.
He Clos Lojen winemaking process He is very meticulous. Fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts, in large oak vatsto preserve the aromas and original characteristics of the grapes. The wine is then aged for seven months in French oak barrels, giving it complexity and a supple but structured profile. On the nose, Clos Lojen presents aromas of ripe red fruits such as black cherry and blueberry, while on the palate its freshness, balanced acidity and well-integrated tannins stand out, making it a very elegant wine.
What makes Clos Lojen even more attractive is its price. Spain’s Best Wine is a clear example of how tradition and sustainability can produce exceptional wines without the high prices usually associated with the world’s great wines. Ideal to accompany white meats, mature cheeses, rice or Mediterranean dishesthis wine has managed to capture the attention of sommeliers and wine lovers, and is an option recommended by experts like Luis Baselga, sommelier of Smoked Room, who highlights its versatility and excellent value for money.
Features
“Clos Lojen 2023 is a red wine that seduces with its freshness and youth. On the nose, it unfolds an aromatic palette where black cherry and blueberry stand out, offering a truly juicy profile. On the palate, it presents itself with a charming lightness and a fruitiness reminiscent of a walk in the forest in the middle of the berry season. Its soft and friendly texture invites you to drink one drink after another, making it a joyful companion at all times,” explains wine merchant Decántalo.
Clos Lojen is a single-varietal red wine made from the Bobal grape variety, from strains over 30 years oldgrown on clay and limestone soils. These vines are spread over seven plots, each with its own characteristics which bring complexity to the wine. The plots are Señorita, Senda, Mirador, Luján, Peral, El Abuelo and Loma, all located at high altitude, which favors the slow and balanced ripening of the grapes.
Concerning its appearance, Clos Lojen presents itself with a bright red color reminiscent of ripe cherries. On the nose, the wine offers a rich combination of aromas of ripe fruits, such as cherries and blackberries, accompanied by subtle notes of spices and wild herbs. On the palate, the best wine in Spain stands out for its freshness and juiciness, with an excellent balance between acidity and flavors of ripe fruit and spices, making it a very pleasant wine.
The recommended temperature for your service is between 14ºC and 16ºCto enjoy all its complexity and freshness. With 12% alcohol, Clos Lojen is a balanced wine with great table versatility.
