The D.O. Ribera del Júcar, located in the province of Cuenca, shares territory with the extensive and better-known D.O. La Mancha. Although its presence in the markets is still limited, some wineries stand out for the quality of their productions, such as Bodegas y Viñedos Illana. Their organic wine Illana 2023 is an excellent example of the potential of this region. Made from a ‘coupage’ of tempranillo, syrah, and bobal, and with a brief aging of 4 months in barrel, it presents itself as a luscious, fruity, and fresh red wine. Its casual and approachable character makes it an ideal choice for both enthusiasts and more experienced palates.
Consumption features
Serving temperature
Consumption time
General features
Type of wine
Region
Type of barrel
Barrels of 1 and 2 years
Type of bottle
Burgundy Bottle
Barrel aging time
4 months
Capacity (cl)
75
Alcohol content (% vol.)
14
General Information
The organic wine Illana 2023 is a blend of the two predominant red grape varieties in the D.O. Ribera del Júcar: tempranillo (here called cencibel) and bobal, along with a contribution from the international variety syrah, which is very well adapted to the area. The harvest was carried out at night, with each variety picked at its optimal ripeness.
Once at the winery, a pre-fermentation maceration was performed at a low temperature (to enhance color and varietal aromas without extracting vegetal tannins). Each variety underwent fermentation separately at a controlled temperature to highlight the freshness and authenticity of the varietal aromas. After malolactic fermentation, this red wine was aged for 4 months in barrels of 1 and 2 years of use, gaining texture and complexity while preserving the varietal aromas that are the main feature.
Bodegas y Viñedos Illana is a family winery located in Aldea Buenavista, in the municipality of Pozoamargo (Cuenca), where their vineyards are also situated, at an altitude of 750 meters. The winery owns 94 hectares of its own vineyards, certified organic. These vines are rooted in clay-limestone soils covered with pebbles, a type of soil that allows optimal water retention and ensures consistency during drought periods.
Illana cultivates the native varieties cencibel (tempranillo) and bobal, as well as international varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, petit verdot, cabernet franc, and sauvignon blanc. In addition to working under organic criteria, they are also committed to producing vegan wines, using plant-based products instead of animal-derived ones during the winemaking process. They hold ISO 14001 and Wineries for Climate Protection certifications, which validate their commitment to the environment.
Illana 2023 (D.O. Ribera del Júcar) is ideal for pairing with a meat lasagna or rice with ribs.
Tasting notes
Visual: Intense purple-red, with violet reflections, clean and bright.
Olfactory: Notes of violet flowers and predominantly black forest fruits, very clear and intense. In the background, a touch of cocoa and spices adds complexity without losing freshness.
Gustatory: Sweet, fruity, fresh, and casual on the palate, with great balance between acidity and alcohol content.