From: Almansa DO, Spain
Varietal: Garnacha Tintorera, Syrah
Taste: Juicy and smooth with tons of black cherry and a touch of spice. Light-footed, juicy and inviting red wine. Soft red fruits with hints of liquorice and kirsch. Beautiful slightly chilled in the summer months.
Pairing: This wine is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. The wine's juicy and smooth character, along with its red fruit notes, makes it an excellent pairing with roasted pork. The wine's mineral notes also make it a perfect match for vegetarian dishes that feature earthy flavors, such as mushroom risotto or ratatouille. We’ve expanded upon these ideas, and are sharing a recipe for Spanish Pork Skewers by David Tanis below.
For general wine pairings, this wine's juicy and smooth character with tons of black cherry and a touch of spice make it an ideal match for roasted pork, whether it's a simple pork chop or a more elaborate roast. The medium-bodied frame and vibrant finish also make it a great pairing for grilled meats, sausages, and flavorful stews.
When it comes to regional pairing options, Almansa is known for its red wines, particularly those made from Monastrell and Garnacha Tintorera grapes. These wines tend to be full-bodied and rich, with intense fruit flavors and a touch of spice, making them ideal for pairing with hearty meat dishes like beef stews or roasted lamb. However, the 2020 Bodegas Venta La Vega Adaras Aldea Tinto offers a lighter and more approachable option, making it a great pairing for a wider range of dishes.
For vegetarians, this wine would pair well with dishes that have a hearty and savory character, such as grilled Portobello mushrooms or roasted vegetable skewers. The wine's juicy fruit character will complement the earthy flavors of the vegetables, while its refined tannins and acidity will help cut through any richness in the dish.
Spanish Pork Skewers
By David Tanis
About. El Mugrón, the foothills of the mountains of Almansa, boasts the largest single planting of garnacha tintorera in Europe. Bodegas Venta la Vega encompasses 225 ha of organically farmed vineyards in Almansa, where the high elevation (1200 m) and rocky limestone soils create distinct microclimates well suited for organic farming without needing to rely on chemical treatments. Winemaker José Ángel Martínez (of Envinate winery acclaim) works closely with legendary Bierzo oenologist Raúl Pérez to oversee every level of operations. ‘Adaras’ is the entry level offering from Venta la Vega, this delightful value does not disappoint! Garnacha tintorera is joined here by a touch of syrah, yielding a mouthful of fresh red fruit, mineral undertones, and a touch of spice on a medium-bodied frame that finishes clean and vibrant, all with well-integrated tannins. Organically grown.
Producer. Bodegas Venta la Vega is located in the mountainous clay, limestone area of Almansa and includes more than 850 hectares of ecological farmland. The estate has areas under vine up to 1200 metres which encourages the creation of distinct, natural microclimates than enable the land to be farmed using sustainable and ecological techniques. Jose Angel Martinez is the talented oenologist behind these wines, who proudly champions expressing the native grape varieties.
Production. Organically grown Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) and Syrah are picked at night. Maceration and fermentation around 20 days, with maximum temperatures of 30°C, in stainless steel cisterns and tanks. Naturally produced alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the latter in casks for a period of three months
The region. Almansa is the easternmost wine region (and one of the smallest) in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. In the Middle Ages, it was located in the frontier territory between the Moorish and Christian kingdoms of Aragon and Castilla.
Almansa was awarded DO status in 1966. The designation draws its name from the largest town in the area, known for its imposing 14th-Century castle, the Castillo de Almansa - one of the last to be built during the Reconquista (the Christian "reconquest" of the Iberian peninsula).
The region is geographically and stylistically close to neighboring Valencia and Murcia, bordering Jumilla and Yecla in the south and Alicante in the east.
Viticulture has taken place here continuously since the 16th Century. The dry, hot and arid conditions of the vast central Iberian plateau also prevail in Almansa, and the overall climate can be considered to be extreme.
Despite its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, the climate is strongly continental, with high temperatures throughout the growing season. The slight influence of the sea does, however, lessen the harsh conditions more than in other parts of Castilla-La Mancha.
The soils are generally poor and stony, with a healthy lime component, which critically retains water effectively. With less than 350mm (14 inches) of rain falling each year, this is essential.
Most vineyards are planted on largely flat terrain around 750m (2,460ft) above sea level. This altitude somewhat mitigates the heat and lengthy sunshine hours.
Overall, these conditions favor the production of red wine, which dominates wine production although, according to the local Consejo Regulador (local governing body), both white and rosé wines are produced. The traditional Spanish classification terms are also used here to denote ageing and style: Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva, Añejo, Noble, Superior, Viejo (old) and Rancio (wines aged oxidatively or in sunlight).
The dominant grape variety in Almansa is the regional specialty Monastrell (Mourvedre). Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) is also widely grown, and produces deep-colored wines with plenty of dark-fruit characters. Because of their rich color, these wines have been popular as blending agents, although they are now being appreciated for their individual qualities.
Other important varieties include Cencibel (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
The authorized white varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo and Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains).
The powerful reds of Almansa have been growing in reputation since the creation of the DO and are now exported to more than 25 countries. The designation is considered a promising one.
