Higueruela – Almansa

Tintoralba

Overview

Location: Higueruela, Almansa, Spain
Website address: www.tintoralba.com

This was where the good winds came from that propelled Alinghi to Americas Cup victory in Valencia, 2008. These are the arid highlands of Albacete where midday summer temperatures can reach 40°C and the annual rainfall is a meagre 350mm. This is the heartland of the Garnacha Tintorera grape (Alicante Bouschet) which doesn’t feature a lot on the UK scene, but we hope to change that with the wines from the Santa Quiteria Cooperative and its committed members.

At over 1000m elevation this must qualify for the extreme viticulture at European latitudes Award. In the lee of the Mount Molatón this Co-op proudly processes 8m litres of mainly Garnacha Tintorera (GT), mostly to be sold in bulk for “colourâ€. Luckily they realise that there is benefit in bottling the best GT they make, mostly coming from  selected old vines. We were chuffed about it too when we came across them on the trail of El Alicante (a lost relative of Sancho Pança, we think)!

The Higueruela, probably the only 100% GT Almansa in the UK, is a stunningly attractive wine with deep colour and a soft punch of vibrant black cherry, and lots of freshness and élan. The Crianza through barrel ageing manages some intriguing coffee and and black chocolate notes and fresh smooth profile.

Both wines have won numerous awards over the years. (eg Higueruela 2003 got 88 points and 2004 got 90 in the Wine Advocate, whilst 2008 was named 'best young red in Castilla La Mancha.)

Wine List

For older vintage information please contact us or consult the producer’s website

Almansa Tinto “Higueruelaâ€

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Current Vintage: 2009 

Nearly opaque in colour this shouts dried berry fruit and wild herbal scents. Chunky and vivid yet so refreshing, it makes you want to enjoy more. Try with tandoori lamb!

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Crianza

Current Vintage:

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