Almansa D.O.P.

Almansa is a Spanish Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP), mainly known for its red wines, located in the transition zone between a high central plateau and the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast of the province of Castilla La Mancha in Spain. The vineyards are mostly around the towns of Almansa, Alpera, Bonete, Corral-Rubio, Higueruela, Hoya-Gonzalo, Pétrola and El Villar de Chinchilla.

History;
During the Middle Ages, Almansa was a frontier region between Moorish and Christian kingdoms. Almansa Castle (Castillo de Almansa) was built by the Moors to protect the Vinalopo Valley (Valle de Vinalopó) which for a long time was the frontier with the Christian kingdoms of Castile and Aragón.

Climate;
The climate is continental (long, hot summers, cold winters). In summer the temperatures can reach 38°C, while in winter it can drop to -6°C. Rainfall is sparse at an average of only 350 mm per annum. The precipitation is sporadic, usually in spring and autumn in the form of violent storms, often in the form of hail.

Soil;
Most of the vineyards are at altitudes between 700 and 1000 m above sea level on flat land, comprising permeable lime-bearing soils that are poor in nutrients.

Grapes;
The authorised grape varieties in Almansa DOP are:
For red wine: Monastrell, Cencibel, Garnacha Tintorera, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot
For white wine: Verdejo, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscatel de Grano Menudo
The vines are planted with a maximum density of 1,600 vines/ha.