Wines Finca Élez Finca Elez - Las Teselas De Elez - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Finca Élez's "Las Teselas De Elez" 2021 is a red wine hailing from the autonomous region of Castille-La Manche in Spain, produced under the Finca Élez DO. This cuvée, though the precise mix of grape varieties is not specified, is likely composed of international varieties such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Syrah, all common in this appellation. The 2021 vintage benefits from a season marked by alternating warm days and cool nights, allowing for full ripening while preserving freshness. The estate’s vineyards sit at a notable altitude around the Sierra de Alcaraz, with unique limestone and clay soils providing excellent drainage and imparting a distinctive minerality to the wine. Vinification at Finca Elez is attentive and modern, aiming for balanced extraction, ripe fruit definition, and elegant tannic structure.

Castille-La Manche holds a storied place in Spanish wine history. The plateau’s high elevation gives rise to a continental climate characterised by hot, dry summers and cold winters, which challenges the vines and contributes to low yields of high-quality grapes. Soils are typically composed of chalk, limestone, and clay, resulting in wines that balance robust character with fresh acidity. Historically known for bulk wine, the region has seen a surge in quality-focused producers like Finca Elez, who have elevated standards and sought official recognition for their terroir-driven bottlings.

For pairing, the Las Teselas De Elez 2021's likely profile of ripe dark fruit, gentle spices, and polished tannins makes it an admirable companion to grilled lamb chops, spicy chorizo stew, or a mushroom and Manchego cheese risotto. Regional dishes such as "pisto manchego" (a rustic ratatouille) and game meats like partridge or venison work wonderfully, drawing on the wine’s generous fruit and balanced structure.

To fully appreciate this red, serve it at 16-18°C after brief aeration or decanting to open up its aromatic range. The wine will develop further complexity with a few years of cellaring, but shows attractive drinking even now with dishes that highlight both its fruit and earthy nuances.