Pampaneo Tempranillo Natural 2025

Pampaneo Tempranillo Natural is a natural red made by Esencia Rural in Quero, Toledo, on the high plains of La Mancha. The project belongs to Julián Ruiz Villanueva, who returned to the land to pursue organic agriculture, planting organic crops before turning to organic wine in 1998. The wine is made from organically farmed Tempranillo and is both natural and vegan, with no fining or additions beyond what the fruit provides. La Mancha sits high and dry on the central Castilian plateau, where the altitude brings hot days and cold nights and that wide diurnal range preserves freshness in a warm region. The poor, chalky soils restrict vigour and keep the fruit concentrated. The wine is fermented with native yeast and then rested six months in clay jar rather than oak, an old vessel that allows gentle micro-oxygenation while keeping the wine fresh and free of wood flavour. The result is fruit-driven and unadorned. The colour is a bright cherry red. The nose shows fresh red berries, cherry and plum with dried herbs and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is light to medium bodied and direct, with soft tannin, lively acidity and a clean finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, lightly cool. It pairs well with grilled pork, roast chicken and tomato dishes.