Author: Dirk Chan
Our online feature this week is the Bodegas Atalaya Laya (Almansa, Spain) – $17.99 regularly $21.49.
For over a century (first established in 1916), the Viñas Familia Gil has farmed in Jumilla, Spain (just south of Valencia). With the patience given to the land of their ancestors, they take care of their old vineyards, and they grow with the incorporation of small wineries from the main wine producing regions of Spain including Castilla y León, Montsant and Priorat, Calatayud, Rueda, Almansa and Rías Baixas. Today, all of the wineries under Gil Family Estates are run by brothers, Miguel and Ángel Gil.
There are several brands of wines produced – bringing together ten different artisanal vineyards, taking small-production philosophy and giving it great exposure, at an attractive price point.
Our feature this week is from one of these estates, their Bodegas Atalaya Laya Red, a blend of Garnacha Tintorera and Monastrell flourish. As if they were enchanted, the old vines seem to like these low-fertile limestone soils suffering from scarce rainfalls. Located at an altitude between 700-1000 metres, they produce concentrated fruits that give a burst of varietal characteristics, flavours and aromas. Their climate (often hot summers and long, cold winters, with a regular difference of 25 ºC between day and night temperatures) gives a full-bodied red with fine maturity and concentration. Pleasant and fresh palate, balanced with sweet tannins, unctuous and enveloping with a unique mid-palate and long finish. Ideal to accompany with game meat and creamy rice dishes, stewed legumes, mushrooms, game and poultry, casseroles, fish and seafood sauce, smoked, cured and blue cheeses, grilled and roasted white and red meats. A deVine bestseller that is a bargain!
Bodegas Atalaya Laya (Almansa, Spain) – $17.99, regularly $21.49.