DO Almansa.
A blend of Merlot (45 per cent), Cabernet (45) and Syrah (10).
Dark cherry red in the glass.
A lovely, big nose, chocolate, spicy and rich berry fruit.
Lighter bodied than I had anticipated, based on the "weight" of the nose, floral, cherry, cranberry-like tangy fruit, spicy, peppery, oaky, rather rich.
A very good wine from a Spanish region I had never tried. Purchased at $14.95 (Canadian).
Finally, for all your history buffs out there, the story behind this blend, and its 1707 name, is that some of the vineyards covered the site of the 1707 Battle of Almansa, a decisive battle in the Spanish War of Succession. The Spanish were aided by the French in this war, which eventually consolidated the power of the Duke of Anjou (Philip V) on the Spanish throne. Now you know.