El Vigía de La Atalaya

Watchtowers, elevated structures historically used for surveillance, were commonly erected in strategic locations from which sentinels could scan the horizon and spot any looming threats. In the transit area between the Castilian plateau and the Mediterranean Sea, in Albacete (Spain), the Atalaya de Juan Gil project stands as a beacon of oversight across the expansive flatlands of La Mancha. A winery whose vineyards are spread across various plots, predominantly composed of old vines of Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell, and which are nestled within the small and lesser-known D.O. Almansa.

It is here that, in homage to the rigorous agricultural labor undertaken by this Manchegan initiative since 2007, they produce El Vigía de La Atalaya. A red wine crafted from Garnacha Tintorera grapes sourced from vineyards aged between 35 and 50 years, planted on limestone soils at altitudes ranging from 700 to 1,000 meters above sea level. The vineyards are cultivated organically, and harvesting is carried out at the peak of ripeness. In the winery, the wine is traditionally vinified and then aged for 12 months in oak barrels before bottling.

With the aim of promoting the D.O. Almansa, El Vigía de La Atalaya showcases the full potential of Garnacha Tintorera, an indigenous grape variety that, when meticulously cared for, reveals the viticultural wealth of La Mancha.