Finca Sandoval

Finca Sandoval was founded in 1998 by Víctor de la Serna, El Mundo's wine columnist, who put Manchuela on the map with critics worldwide. Today, under local businessman Angel Garcia-Cordero and winemaker Javier Revert, the estate produces vibrant, soulful finca Sandoval wines that capture the region's revival. Based on 26 hectares of organically certified vineyards on the slopes of the Cuenca mountains between 700–1000 metres, these are wines built on heritage Bobal, Monastrell and Garnacha vines, alongside Syrah planted by Víctor himself. Buy Finca Sandoval wines for their purity of expression and the story of a forgotten region restored.

About Finca Sandoval

The winery sits in Ledaña village, where vineyards rise among medieval towns and Moorish castles on the banks of the Jucar River. Manchuela was once known for saffron; by the mid-20th century, workers had abandoned agriculture for the cities. Finca Sandoval has been fundamental to its renaissance. The soils are mainly sandy limestone, and the oldest vines—Bobal, Monastrell and Garnacha—are co-planted with calcareous soils and altitude that sharpen freshness. White varieties, sourced from 50 to 80-year-old vines, include Albilla Manchego, Marisancho, Tortosí and Trepadell. Javier Revert, the Valencian winemaker, hand-picks fruit and ferments with indigenous yeasts, often in whole bunches, then matures in concrete or large foudre. All wines are certified organic and biodynamic in practice.

Finca Sandoval Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 2024 Fundamentalista (92 points, £18.65)—a 60% Bobal, 36% Syrah blend with wild raspberry, black cherry and dried herb notes, matured eight months in concrete. For depth, the 2021 Finca Sandoval (93 points, £32.95) is a pure Syrah that wine critic Luis Gutiérrez calls "one of the purest expressions of syrah in Spain"—violet, dark berries, smoke and pepper with juicy power and fine tannins. If you want to explore further, try the 2021 La Rosa Bobal (95 points, £40.10), a single-varietal expression of the region's heritage grape, or the 2024 Aurora (92 points, £24.35), a tropical and balanced white blend that shows the estate's range.

Food Pairing

Pair the Fundamentalista with roasted chicken or grilled lamb chops—its juicy tannins cut through richness. The 2021 Finca Sandoval demands something bold: slow-braised beef, duck confit or wild boar stew. The Aurora white works beautifully with seafood paella, grilled fish or soft cheeses. La Rosa Bobal is the table wine for charcuterie, chorizo-spiced stews and aged Manchego cheese.

Who makes Finca Sandoval wines?

Founded by wine columnist Víctor de la Serna in 1998, the estate is now led by businessman Angel Garcia-Cordero and Valencian winemaker Javier Revert. Based in Ledaña, Manchuela, they farm 26 hectares of organically certified vineyards.

What style are Finca Sandoval wines?

Vibrant, soulful reds built on Bobal, Syrah and heritage Spanish varieties, plus fresh whites. Hand-picked, fermented with indigenous yeasts, often whole-bunch. Scores range 91–95 points.

How much do Finca Sandoval wines cost?

£18.65 to £40.10. The 2024 Fundamentalista is £18.65; the 2021 La Rosa Bobal flagship is £40.10. Most fall between £19–£33.