Friend & Farmer Tempranillo Castilla-La Mancha, 2018

Friend and Farmer is the dream of three brothers, Francisco, Javier and Luis Parra. The hope was to celebrate their home of La Mancha by raising organically and biodynamically grown grapes. When it comes to the winemaking behind Friend and Farmer, they partnered with the exceptional 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 Olla del Monte is perhaps easily represented by its other name: 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 Friend & Farmer wines are Demeter and vegan certified with only naturally occurring sulfites.

PAIR WITH BEEF SHORT RIBS, BRISKET