Bodega El Tanino 1752 Garnacha Tintorera

Bodega El Tanino 1752 Garnacha Tintorera is a Spanish red wine made from old-vine Garnacha Tintorera grapes in the Almansa DO, available in a standard 750ml bottle. What distinguishes this wine immediately is the grape itself — Garnacha Tintorera is a teinturier variety with red-colored flesh, producing wines of extraordinary color depth that most red grapes simply cannot achieve.

Quick Facts: Origin: Almansa DO, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain  |  Varietal: 100% Garnacha Tintorera  |  Vine Age: 30+ years  |  Producer: Bodega El Tanino, Hoya Gonzalo

Production & Heritage

Bodega El Tanino operates from Hoya Gonzalo in the Albacete province of southeastern Spain, within the Almansa Denominación de Origen. The Garnacha Tintorera vines used for this bottling are over 30 years old, planted on poor calcareous soils at an elevation of approximately 970 meters above sea level. That altitude creates dramatic diurnal temperature swings — hot days and cool nights — which slow ripening, preserve acidity, and concentrate flavors in the fruit. The "1752" designation represents a specific cuvée within the bodega's range, drawing on these old-vine, high-altitude parcels to produce a wine with notable structure and intensity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with dark, brooding fruit — think ripe blackberry and black plum — layered over earthy, mineral undertones. With aeration, subtle oak-derived spice and dried herb notes emerge, adding complexity to the bouquet.

Taste: On entry, the wine delivers a concentrated wave of dark berry fruit with a fleshy, almost inky texture characteristic of Garnacha Tintorera's uniquely pigmented pulp. The mid-palate introduces firmer tannins than typical Grenache, supported by a backbone of chalky minerality that reflects the calcareous terroir. Oak influence is present but measured, contributing structure rather than dominating the fruit.

Finish: The finish is medium-long with lingering dark fruit and a savory, slightly earthy quality. Tannins remain prominent through the close, suggesting this wine rewards patience and benefits from decanting.

How to Drink El Tanino 1752

Decant for at least 30 minutes before serving at 16–18°C (60–64°F). This wine rewards the attention — its tannins and fruit open significantly with air, and pouring it too cold will mask the mid-palate complexity. For cocktail and mixed-drink applications: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works well given the wine's deep color and bold fruit; a Tinto de Verano with lemon soda lets the berry character shine in warm weather; and a Red Wine Sangria loaded with stone fruits and citrus complements the wine's natural dark-fruit intensity.

Best For

• Exploring lesser-known Spanish grape varieties beyond Tempranillo and Monastrell
• Pairing with hearty grilled meats at weekend cookouts
• Introducing wine-curious friends to the bold, approachable side of Spanish reds
• Building an affordable collection of old-vine Spanish wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does El Tanino 1752 taste like? This wine delivers concentrated dark berry fruit — blackberry and plum — with firm tannins, moderate oak spice, and an earthy minerality that reflects its high-altitude, calcareous-soil origin.

How does El Tanino 1752 compare to Monastrell from Almansa? Monastrell-based wines from Almansa tend to emphasize leathery, rustic tannins and black pepper spice, while this Garnacha Tintorera expression leans toward darker, inkier fruit with a fleshier mid-palate thanks to the grape's unique red-pigmented pulp. Both benefit from decanting, but the Garnacha Tintorera typically shows more color intensity and juicier berry character.

Is El Tanino 1752 good for sipping neat? Yes, it drinks well on its own, particularly after 30 minutes of decanting to soften the tannins and let the fruit fully express itself.

Where is El Tanino 1752 made? It is produced by Bodega El Tanino in Hoya Gonzalo, within the Albacete province of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, under the Almansa Denominación de Origen.

What foods pair well with El Tanino 1752? Grilled lamb chops work beautifully, as the wine's tannins cut through the richness of the meat. Manchego cheese (aged 6+ months) echoes the regional terroir. Chorizo or other cured, spiced sausages complement the dark fruit and earthy notes. Slow-braised beef cheeks mirror the wine's depth, and roasted red pepper dishes highlight its berry character.

What sizes does El Tanino 1752 come in? The standard release is available in the 750ml format.

Is El Tanino 1752 worth the price? This wine positions as a value-driven expression, delivering old-vine concentration and genuine regional character at an entry-level to mid-range price point — strong competition for Spanish reds at several times the cost.

Why El Tanino 1752?

The strongest case for this wine starts with the grape itself. Garnacha Tintorera is one of very few teinturier varieties — grapes whose flesh is red rather than clear — giving wines an intensity of color and fruit density that standard red grapes cannot replicate. These particular vines are over three decades old, rooted in calcareous soils nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, where extreme day-night temperature variation concentrates flavor while preserving freshness. That combination of old vines, high altitude, and an inherently bold grape variety produces a wine that punches well above its weight class in the Spanish red wine landscape.