How many times have I stared at the plethora of wines at a wine shop or at an extensive wine list while dining out, perused the red wine choices, and defaulted to my usual selection? Way too many! I’m guessing that many of you have experienced the same dilemma – you’re ready to try something new and different but none of your favorites appeal to you or you have no idea what the other wines really are. Now, the problem is solved! When you don’t know which red wine to choose, discover Garnacha!
Photo Credit: www.decanter.com
Having traveled to Spain a few times, I’ve embraced the opportunity to enjoy plenty of glasses of this incredibly affordable, absolutely delicious wine from the country. With its fresh, red fruit dominant flavors, moderate acidity, and soft tannins, Garnacha appeals to a wide range of palates. As a single varietal or blended, Garnacha has the uncanny ability to pair with a variety of foods (think paella, roasted meats, grilled cheese, beef stew, barbequed pork, flank steak, and as many tapas you can imagine…). What’s not to love??
As a participant in a recent #winestudio twitter chat, one that focused on the Spanish region of Cariñena and its most widely planted grape variety, Garnacha, I received six wines, sent as samples. Held online for one hour a week over the course of three consecutive weeks, our group of wine writers and winelovers learned about this fascinating, under-the-radar region as we swirled, sipped, and savored exceptional wines in both quality and price.
Cariñena
The wines of Cariñena are predominantly red: Garnacha and Cariñena (Carignane). The region itself was deemed an official Denominacion de Origen (DO) in 1932 and in 2011, Cariñena was named a “Protected” area in order to allow more control over the types of grapes cultivated and their styles.
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. Perhaps the most unique characteristic of the area is its ancient stone soil, layers of rock, mineral, and earth prompting the region’s unofficial catchphrase “Crafted in Stone”. In fact, the phylloxera mite that destroyed much of Europe’s vineyards in the 1800s couldn’t survive in the stony soil; this region was saved from what so many others endured.
Other factors make Cariñena unique. Influenced by the Ebro River and Valley, 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 ensure that the wines exhibit beautiful aromatics and structure. The strong, dry, often cold Cierzo winds from the north help regulate the vineyards and keep the vines free from disease; however, hailstorms and drought are always of concern.
Our Tasting of Garnacha from Cariñena
During our #winestudio education, the group tasted wines that boasted a variety of styles and price points. Find the following selections, readily available at your local wine shop, and discover why Garnacha will be one of your go-to red wine choices.
I opened the bottle of Monasterio de las Vinas Old Vine Garnacha ($17.99) for one hour before I had my first sip… and it was worth the wait. The Garnacha grapes, from vines over 40 years old cultivated in the terroir of Grand Vinos vineyards, were selected by Chilean winemaker, Marcelo Morales. On both nose and palate, I found a rich, brooding wine with notes of cracked pepper, spices, ripe plum, cigar smoke, and rugged leather on a foundation of bright acidity and firm tannins. Complement a juicy steak (or a cigar) with this memorable, balanced wine.
El Circo Acrobata 2017 ($9.99) consisted of 100% Garnacha. Young and fresh, this lighter style of wine offered approachable aromas of red berries and baking spice. On the palate, food friendly acidity and integrated tannins framed lovely notes of cloves, white pepper, juicy strawberries, and ripe raspberries. Balanced with medium body, create a cheese plate of your favorite Spanish cheeses, nuts, and olives and pair with this wine for a taste sensation.
Artigazo Edicion Limitada 2014 ($25) was a delightful blend of 40% Garnacha, 30% Syrah, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from 40 year old vines. Ripe cherries, violets, blackberries, anise, plums, blueberries, and vanilla notes wafted from the glass and into my nose. On the palate, mouthwatering acidity and medium tannins lifted notes of rich red fruit and a touch of mint leading to a finish replete with exotic spice. Silky and elegant, this is another wine from the region to explore… pair with a hearty beef stew.
Finally, the Particular Garnacha 2017 ($10), of 100% Garnacha, offered lively aromas of juicy red berries and spice (elements I’ve learned to love in these wines!). On the palate, impressions of spice, plums, blueberries, blackberries, white pepper, and dark fruit were surrounded by vibrant acidity and structured tannins. The finish lingered… Start the grill, pour the wine, and sear a few juicy steaks for your grateful guests!
Discover for yourself why Garnacha from Cariñena is your next red wine choice!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
Deborah Janz