Almansa DO

[ahl-MAHN-suh] DO situated in Spain's castilla-la mancha region east of the la mancha do and next to the Levante. Although there's a small amount of white wine made from Merseguera grapes, about 75 percent of the wine produced is red, made with Monastrell (mourvèdre) Cencibel (tempranillo), and Garnacha Tintorera (alicante bouschet). This last variety, which is also called Alicante here, has red flesh and imparts plenty of color, flavor, and tannins to the blends. It is unrelated to the Garnacha Tinta (grenache). Although the Garnacha Tintorera grape gives these Almansa wines a special character, the better red wines use only a small amount of it. Experimental plots of cabernet sauvignon have also been planted.