Castile la Mancha is one of the frontiers of Spanish wine. Not because wine is new to the area, but because there are few regulations, and tons of land to play with. It’s a generally hot climate, and as such, can produce very powerful wines. At their best, these can exciting full-bodied reds from Temrpanillo (called Cencibel here), Mourvedre (called Monastrell), Garnacha, and even International red varieties like Merlot and Cabernet.  La Mancha DO is the largest in Spain, encompassing 30,700 sq. km.

Venta la Ossa is a modern winery, with the goal of making the best wines from La Mancha. It is located in the Herencia district. The winemaking team consists of Oenolgists José Carlos García, and Joana Caldeira, and Vineyard Director Juan Antonio Leza. 2005 is their second vintage, and the wine is already causing quite a stir, and more importantly, they are delicious. In order to reach their quality goals, the winery observes a self-imposed production limit of 8,000 cases (split between this, a lesser red and a rose).

Venta la Ossa is a blend of 85% Cencibal, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Merlot. It is aged in French oak for 12 months. The results are a powerful, pretty red that is packed with spicy fruit, minerality, and toasty hints of oak. Try this roast piggies, lambs and bunnies . . . and don’t forget the garlic. Drink now – 2015.