Have you even heard of Spain’s Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) Cariñena? True oenophiles have, but others may be unaware of this winemaking region which has garnered accolades since Roman times and is home to the most plantings of old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena than any other region of Spain. Located in the Ebro Valley in Spain’s northeast region of Aragon (remember Catherine of Aragon who married King Henry VIII?), bordered by the Pyrenees Mountains to the north and Catalunya to the east.
There are several factors which make Cariñena unique. Vineyards are planted at high altitudes ranging from 1300 feet for the lower vineyards and up to the 2600 feet at the highest. A moderate Continental climate and perfect diurnal temperatures assure beautiful aromatics and structure. The oldest vines, some of which are over 100 years, reach through the rock to find minerality and water. The strong, dry, often cold Cierzo winds from the north help to regulate the vineyards and keep the grape canopy free from disease, yet hailstorms and drought are always of concern.
Benchmarks of a great winemaking region include older vines, indigineous varietals, complexity of soils, and higher elevations, all of which can be found in Cariñena. But perhaps the most unique characteristic of the area is its ancient stone soils, layers of rock, mineral, and earth.
A wine tasting seminar featuring wines from DOP Cariñena was held recently in Chicago at Vera, one of my favorite wine bars in Chicago. Just this year, the United States launch of Vinos de Cariñena Crafted in Stone awareness campaign began with wines designed to entice the consumer to appreciate not only their aromatics and flavors but their more than reasonable price point. For more information about the wines and wineries, please check out the DOP Cariñena site or link to the wineries directly (provided below).
Now, let the tasting begin with the following mini-reviews!
Castillo de Monseran Garnacha 2013 – This terrific summer red will be perfect with salads on the porch! Aromas of red berries, smoke, and hint of earth led to tastes of red cherries with medium acidity and light tannins. Bright and fresh, the finish did not linger but the memory of the price of $11 for this 100% Garnacha certainly did.
Beso de Vino Old Vine Garnacha 2013 – The 100% Garnacha from 35-40 year old vines will pair well with grilled burgers on a warm summer evening. The gentle aromas and flavors of red fruits and spice with a nice finish and full mouthfeel were satisfying. Cost is $10.
Agoston Tempranillo Cabernet 2013 – A blend of 50% Tempranillo and 50% Cabernet Sauvingon fermented in French and American oak, this selection had the Cabernet profile up front and center. Aromas of spice and deep fruits with soft tannins and acidity suggested that this could be a good choice for a backyard bonfire paired with some sticky s’mores. Cost is $13.
Corona de Aragon Special Selection 2011 – Ahhhh, aromas and tastes of sweet eucalyptis and mint with some fruit and spice suggested a round mouthfeel which would pair nicely with lamb chops. 50% Garnacha and 50% Cariñena (also known as Mazuelo) grapes sourced from 40 year old vines in the highest vineyards blended together for this aptly named, “special selection”. Cost is $15.
Castillo de Monsseran Old Vine Garnacha 2009 – Although I enjoyed all of the wines, this was my favorite. Coonsisting of 100% Garnacha, the wine was aged for 12 months in French oak. Its earthy, herbal aromas and smoky palate profile with tobacco and more rich earth were heady. The long spicy finish begged for a grilled, juicy steak! Cost is $16.
Alto Cinco Garnacha 2012 – With a dusty nose and intense tastes of spice, black pepper, earth, and red fruit, this wine is a lovely blend of 90% Garnacha and 4% Tempranillo. The Tempranillo helped to soften the profile of the Garnacha and the result was a mouthwatering glass of wine. Cost is $15.
From 50 B.C. when the Romans established the Villa Carae, later called Cariñena, to the present, winemakers and others have maintained a longevity of viticulture and business practices. In 1415, King Ferdinand I of Aragon declared a preference for Cariñena wines “above all others”. In 1585, King Philip II of Spain was welcomed to Cariñena with “free-flowing fountains of wine”. How I would have loved to fill my glass then! Although 90% of European vineyards were destroyed by the phylloxera blight in 1863, those in Cariñena were unaffected and became an area for vintners to establish themselves in refuge. In 1932, the region was named an official “Denomination of Origin” (DOC) and in 2011, it became a “Protected Denomination of Origin” (DOP).
With their easy drinking flavor profiles and easy on the wallet prices, I encourage you to find a bottle or two of these wines from Cariñena from your local wine shop. From summer barbeques to picnics under the stars to simply having a glass or two while you are reading a favorite book poolside, the wines from Cariñena will be a delicious choice. I should know…I already have mine!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
*For photographs of the Chicago event at Vera, follow the link.*
