Friend and Farmer is the dream of three brothers, Francisco, Javier and Luis Parra. The hope was to celebrate their home of La Mancha. When it comes to the 'Friend' behind Friend and Farmer, they partnered with the exceptional winemaker, Juan Antonio Ponce of Bodegas Ponce.
The Parra brothers work two vineyards near the town of Las Mesas. One is Entresendas (between paths) sitting in a dried river bed. These rich, alluvial soils are perfect for the cultivation of grapes reflecting light and heat and ensuring drainage. The other vineyard is Cuesta Colorá, the colored slope. This gentle slope is covered in chalky clay and a fine layer of pebbles on the surface that capture and radiate the heat of the sun—a key benefit during the desert nights.
The winery is committed to producing wines that are not only pure and elegant but also structured, reflecting the unique terroir of the region. Their vision was to create a biodynamic, self-sustaining ecosystem. This led them to diversify their agricultural practices, incorporating livestock rearing and the cultivation of garlic, grains, peas, and lentils, thereby completing the agricultural cycle.
The 2023 is vibrant & perfumed with classic raspberry, herbal & smoked earth notes. An array of wild raspberry & fresh, rose-like flowers makes for an attractive nose. The medium-bodied palate is very supple, soft & fleshy with juicy raspberry, red plum, white pepper & grilled herbs. Clocking in at a modest 13% abv, this Tempranillo is high-toned & fresh with a soft tannic structure lingering notes of red berries & herbs on the finish.
