Terroir summary
Finca Fella is located in the highest and most esteemed part of the Almansa growing zone in southeastern Spain. Here, vineyards occupy a rugged plateau rising from approximately 650 to 1,150 metres above sea level, where altitude plays a defining role in vineyard performance. Despite the region’s warm Mediterranean-influenced sunshine, the elevated sites experience cool nights and significant day-night temperature variation, slowing ripening and helping grapes retain freshness, acidity and aromatic intensity. The landscape is shaped by limestone-rich mountains and low-fertility soils composed of chalk, limestone, sandy clay and calcareous material. Combined with very low rainfall and dry conditions, these soils naturally restrict vine vigour and encourage deep root systems. Many of the estate’s vineyards are planted to old bush vines, including parcels more than a century old, producing low yields of intensely flavoured fruit.
Heritage:
A new project with old bones, Finca Fella was established in 2017 around a pocket of ancient bush vines in Almansa. Rather than creating a vineyard from scratch, the estate was built around preserving and championing historic sites that had survived generations of extreme growing conditions. These low-yielding old vines, shaped by altitude, drought and dramatic temperature shifts, form the foundation of Finca Fella’s wines today. By combining this inherited viticultural heritage with modern winemaking expertise, the estate has helped bring renewed attention to a little-known corner of Almansa while remaining firmly rooted in its agricultural traditions.
Philosophy:
Finca Fella’s philosophy begins in the vineyard, where the focus is on preserving the character of old-vine sites and cultivating fruit in harmony with the surrounding environment. The dry climate, low disease pressure and elevated location support extensive organic farming, allowing viticulture to be carried out with minimal intervention while encouraging vine health and fruit concentration. Vineyard management is centred on low yields, careful canopy management and the selection of the best vineyard parcels. In the winery, traditional craftsmanship is supported by modern technology. Harvesting is timed to preserve freshness and aromatic complexity, while winemaking decisions are aimed at expressing varietal character and site rather than excessive extraction or oak influence.
People:
Finca Fella forms part of the wider Fantini Group and benefits from the collaboration of local growers, viticultural specialists and an experienced winemaking team. The preservation of the estate’s historic vineyards relies on generations of local knowledge, particularly in the management of old bush vines adapted to the extreme conditions of Almansa. The project has been championed by Fantini founder and CEO Valentino Sciotti, whose vision for identifying underappreciated but high-potential wine regions helped establish this remarkable site. Winemaking decisions are supported by a team of oenologists and vineyard specialists focused on expressing the unique qualities of the estate’s high-altitude terroir.
