Atalaya La Atalaya del Camino Almansa DO

Almansa DO, Spain

Flagship blend of Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell from 60–80-year-old vines at 800m limestone altitude. The Garnacha Tintorera's red-flesh pigmentation creates extraordinary colour intensity; blackberry, plum, dark chocolate, tobacco, and spice. Elegant despite the depth — altitude provides freshness. 14 months in French and American oak.

Pairing intelligence

• main: Almansa's dark-fleshed Garnacha Tintorera's cherry depth and spice are natural with slowly braised pork ribs
• main: La Mancha regional dish with an adjacent DO wine; Atalaya's fruit and spice complement the rustic bread-chorizo preparation
• main: Ibérico pork's pronounced flavour and Almansa's intensity make a powerful Spanish pairing; escalivada's smokiness echoes wine