Smokey and hearty, this Monastrell/Garnacha blend will tackle a steak head on. That said, we happily quaffed it on the couch without a bite in sight. It’s a great example of the character and value available from the many and varied regions of Spain.

It comes from Almansa, which is a classically continental region to the south east of Madrid. Being at high altitude, the long, hot summers still have cool nights. Rainfall is low, so vines are deep rooted and hardy. Atalaya is the name of the Gil Family’s estate in this region.