Wine Variety: Gaznata, AKA Grenache, is an ubiquitous, old variety that has proven prone to producing sports (genetic mutations) and that most likely has its origins in Spain (although Sardinia is claimed by some Italian commentators). Grenache requires a warm climate due to its extended growing season; its tolerance of hot, dry climates means that it is widely grown in those countries where such conditions are found. It is the second most planted grape in France after Merlot.

Wine Region: The Sierra de Gredos is a mountain range 80km west of Madrid. Small, ancient vineyards mainly of Grenache and Albillo are planted on granite and slate soils. Largely forgotten in the last century, a small band of young wine makers are now revitalising the region. 

Wine Producer: Don Juan del Aguila is a co-operative, set up in 1950. In the '70s they were producing two million kilos of grapes. The progressive loss of Spain's rural population led to a restructuring in the noughties, but it is still, today, owned by the almost one hundred grape growers that supply it. Today they produce a quarter of a million litres of wine at DO level.