Bodeas Piqueras - Spain

The Denomination of Origen Almansa lies about 100 kilometres inland from Valencia and Alicante, east of Albacete. It is an area of 10,000 hectares and the vineyards lie 700 metres above sea level. The soil, basically calcareous, and climate, extreme continental with cold winters and hot summers, are ideal for the cultivation of the Tempranillo (known locally as the Cencibel), Monastrell and Garnacha Tintorera grape varieties. The average annual rainfall, 410 mm, is low and together with the cold winter and spring nights results in a low yield and grapes of excellent quality.

Bodegas Piqueras was founded in 1915 by Mario Bonete. Bottling began in 1961, followed by a successful export market. His son, Juan Pablo Bonete, having studied oenology and worked closely alongside his father, eventually took over as proprietor and winemaker, assisted by his brother Angel - their main objective being to produce eminent wines in limited quantities. Piqueras is a medium-sized producer with 190 hectares of its own vineyards and another 500 hectares contracted from growers. The annual production of red wine is 800,000 litres. In 2002, they moved into a new and purpose-built bodega in Almansa designed and equipped to produce top quality, modern wines.