Martúe Winery Guide

Winery Overview

Martúe is one of the most exciting wines to have emerged from the very up-and-coming wine region of La Mancha. La Mancha’s region has traditionally produced vast quantities of dire wine, quantity rather than quality. However, this has changed in recent years, with Alejandro Fernandez (of La Pesquera) launching the new winery of El Vinculo, Martinez Bujanda (of Rioja fame) launching Finca Antigua, and many newcomers, flushed with new confidence, investment, and above all, huge ambition. Martúe is one of these “newcomers.” Fausto Gonzalez planted vines in 1990 as he realized the untouched potential in the area. He dug up the lackluster “Airen” grapes (responsible for somewhat drab, bulk wine) and planted Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Tempranillo, Spain’s noble grape.

Martúe decided to produce quality wine at accessible prices for everyday drinking. Spain is awash with “Vinos de Autor,” a term suggesting wines that are works of art. Unfortunately, huge prices are usually what these wines also mean, and Martúe realized there was a huge hole in the market for good, top, quality wines. Well, they have succeeded. On a recent visit to this lovely estate, we were extremely impressed with this Castilian team’s ambition, talent, and excellent wines. The concept of “single vineyards” in La Mancha is very new, and Fausto has had to fight to earn respect for his wines, associated with the appellation’s reputation. The winery is designed “hacienda” style, like an old Colonial mansion, although it is quite new. The vineyards surround the estate, Chateaux-style. There is a beautiful tasting room, very homey. We tasted all of the wines and can only report good things. The winery is still finding its way in the market and its shoes, and we are hugely optimistic that Martúe will become well-known abroad.

Further Reading

Author

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James Lawrence

With a passion for food & drink that verges on the obsessive, wine writer James Lawrence has traveled the world in search of the perfect tipple. To date, nothing has surpassed the 1952 R. Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Rioja Reserva, tasted in the cobweb-filled cellars with owner María José. Meanwhile, James has been writing for a wide variety of publications for over 12 years, including Telegraph, Decanter, Harpers, The Drinks Business, and Wine Business International. He lives in South Wales and returns to his former university city, Bilbao, as much as possible.

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