In one of Socrates' teachings, the tale of a stonecutter is recounted, who, while laboriously chipping away at stones, is questioned by a passerby. Despite the arduous nature of his work, the man expresses contentment in performing his task well, understanding that he is contributing to the construction of a lasting and beneficial structure for others. This reflection on work as an act imbued with purpose and legacy can aptly be applied to the life of Juan Gil, who, after beginning in the quarry, chose to make viticulture his true passion. Following the same principle of excellence, Juan Gil devoted himself to winemaking with the aim of creating something enduring. Today, with over 100 years of history, the Gil family has expanded and diversified their wine legacy, offering high-quality wines that are acclaimed not only in Spain but also internationally. The original winery of Juan Gil has given rise to a total of 11 wine projects, including: Lagar da Condesa (DO Rías Baixas), Ateca (DO Calatayud), Can Blau (DO Montsant), El Nido (DO Jumilla), Licorella Vins (DOQ Priorat), Morca (DO Campo de Borja), Rosario Vera (DOCa Rioja), Shaya (DO Rueda), Tridente (VT Castilla y León) and, Atalaya (DO Almansa). This last one, Atalaya, located in the municipality of Almansa (Albacete), has established itself as one of the winery's emblematic projects, renowned for its focus on quality viticulture and the expression of terroir.
One of its wines, La Atalaya del Camino, has successfully captured the essence of this region with significant vinicultural potential, producing a blend of garnacha tintorera and monastrell that combines intensity, freshness, and a remarkable ageing capability. These are old vines planted on sandy and limestone soils at an altitude of 700m-1000m. The cultivation is traditional, and once in the winery, the vinification is carried out with a maceration-fermentation in stainless steel tanks for about 20 days at a constant temperature of 25°C. Subsequently, the wine undergoes 12 months of ageing in French oak barrels.
La Atalaya del Camino embodies the philosophy of the Juan Gil family: to craft wines that endure over time. A testament to the perseverance and passion of a family who, like the stonecutter in Socrates' ancient teaching, continues, day by day, to excel in their endeavours.