FAUSTINO RIVERO ULECIA 2019 Bobal-Tempranillo Reserva (Utiel-Requena, SP)

Bobal (the grape) – the lowly, simple & dark red wine from the slopes of Southeast Spain.  These wines are finally making it to the export markets due rich, red wine being produced here.  And some of the least expensive wine left to be had for the price.

This is a blend of 75% Bobal and 25% Tempranillo from Spain's Utiel-Requena region, which sits just inland of Valencia on the eastern coast. Here, the viticultural history pre-dates the Romans (underground caves hold evidence of a long history of wine production and consumption). Bobal has a long history here as well and is indeed the primary red wine grape of the region. 

We happened upon this wine while searching for Spanish reds with exceptional price/quality ratio. The F. R. ULECIA family has been making wine in Rioja since 1899. Constant growth and expansion led them to the outskirts of Rioja in the 70s. Cue the 80s and 90s, where their expansion led them to new regions. Their production in Utiel-Requena began then, with a focus on Bobal.