The Spanish DO area with around 7,600 hectares of vineyards is named after the town of the same name, which comes from the Moorish "Al-Amankha" (dry place). The area belongs to the large region of Castilla-La Mancha. The vineyards are located 700 metres above sea level. Around half of the vineyards are planted with the red Monastrell, others are Cencibel (Tempranillo) and small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon. Red wines account for 85% of production, while white wines are made from Merseguera and Airén. Well-known producers are Coop. del Campo Santa Cruz and Bodegas Piqueras.
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena