Onshore Cellars - ICONIC Producer

Bobal, Tardana, Pintaillo or Pintailla, Marisancho, Teta de vaca are only a few examples of the local grape varieties used at Bodegas Gratias. Located in Manchuela, Spain, the wines produced here perfectly integrate the spirit of the Mediterranean. In a region with a declining wine industry, Ana and Iván are on a mission to protect the old vineyards of Bobal and other local varieties, and maintain the unique heritage of the area.

Gratias are known, not only for their work preserving indigenous grapes but also for their commitment to the environment. They aim to run a fully sustainable and accountable project, mindful of both the natural and the social surroundings. Their motto is simple: make wines that ‘feel good’.

Castilla-La Mancha spans central Spain across four provinces, forming the country's largest wine region by vineyard area. Located south of Madrid on the Meseta Central plateau, this expansive territory encompasses nearly half of Spain's total vineyard plantings. The region has historically served as a bulk wine producer, though modern winemaking has brought increased focus on quality production and indigenous grape varieties.

The continental climate features hot, dry summers and cold winters, with significant diurnal temperature variation that helps preserve acidity in the grapes. The terrain consists primarily of flat plains with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 meters, characterized by limestone-rich soils mixed with clay and sand. Key denominaciones de origen include La Mancha, the world's largest continuous vineyard area, along with smaller appellations like Valdepeñas, Manchuela, and Jumilla.

Traditional grape varieties dominate plantings, with Tempranillo (locally called Cencibel) and Garnacha leading red varieties, while Airén remains the most planted white grape despite declining acreage. Indigenous varieties like Bobal and Monastrell produce distinctive wines, while international varieties such as Chardonnay have found success in higher elevation sites. The region's wines range from everyday table wines to more concentrated expressions that showcase the potential of both native and adapted grape varieties in this continental climate.

Manchuela is a Denominación de Origen (DO) wine appellation located in the Castilla-La Mancha region of central Spain. The appellation spans parts of the provinces of Albacete and Cuenca, positioned between the more established wine regions of Jumilla to the southeast and La Mancha to the west. It was granted DO status in 2000, making it one of Spain's newer official wine appellations.

The region experiences a continental Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Vineyards are planted at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 meters above sea level on predominantly limestone and clay soils. The appellation permits both indigenous Spanish varieties and international grapes, with Bobal being a significant red variety and Verdejo among the authorized whites. Tardana, a local white grape variety, also plays a role in the region's wine production alongside more familiar varieties like Chardonnay.

Wines from Manchuela typically reflect the high-altitude continental climate through their balanced acidity and concentrated flavors. The indigenous Bobal produces structured red wines with good aging potential, while white wines from varieties like Tardana tend to offer fresh, mineral-driven profiles. The combination of traditional Spanish varieties with international grapes allows producers to create both regional expressions and more internationally styled wines.