Finca Élez
Finca Élez is one of only nine Vino de Pago existing in Spain as of 2009. This is the highest category on the quality scale of Spanish wines and means that in addition to having a proven track record of consistent quality, the wines have to be both produced from estate-grown grapes and also have to be processed and aged in a winery (bodega) located on the estate. This Vino de Pago is located in the municipality of El Bonillo, in the province of Albacete (Castile-La Mancha, Spain) and acquired its status in 2002.
The Estate
Finca Élez, owned by Manuel Manzaneque, has 40 hectares (99 acres) planted under vines of the following varieties: chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, tempranillo and syrah.
The winery is located next to the vineyards at an altitude of 1,080 m above sealevel in the Sierra de Alcaraz range of mountains.
Climate
The climate is continental (hot, dry summers; cold winters) with marked differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Soils
The soils are mainly clay-sand, with some other elements such as lime, marls and ochre clays.
Production
Approximately 200,000 bottles/year.