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DO Almansa lies about 100 kilometres inland from Valencia
and Alicante, east of Albacete. It is an area of 10,000 hectares
and the vineyards lie 700 metres above sea level. The soil,
basically calcareous, and the climate, extreme continental
with cold winters and hot summers, are ideal for the cultivation
of the Tempranillo
(known locally as the Cencibel), Monastrell,
Syrah and Garnacha
Tintorera grape varieties. The average annual rainfall,
410 mm, is low and together with the cold winter and spring
nights results in a low yield and grapes of excellent quality.
Bodegas
Piqueras, the driving force behind the creation of DO Almansa,
was founded in 1915 by Mario Bonete. Bottling began in 1961,
followed by a successful export market. His son, Juan Pablo
Bonete, having studied oenology and worked closely alongside
his father, eventually took over as the energetic, young proprietor
and winemaker, assisted by his brother Angel - their only
objective being to produce eminent wines in limited quantities.
Bodegas Piqueras is a medium-sized producer with 190 hectares
of its own vineyards and another 500 hectares contracted from
growers. The annual production of red wine is 1.5 million
litres. In 2002, they moved into a modern, immaculate, purpose-built
bodega in Almansa designed and equipped to produce top quality,
exciting wines. We are the UK agents for Bodegas Piqueras.
NEW!
Click on the underlined grape varieties
for more information.
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