Four Delicious, Budget-Friendly Wines from Navarra to Drink Now

The other day one of my friends asked me for a recommendation for a few wines from Spain. She needed three or four for her sipping pleasure but also sip-worthy (and affordable) to give to friends should the occasions arise. She wanted wines that were not only authentic to a region, preferably one that not many knew about, but weren’t considered a typical Spanish variety.

To that end, I considered those from Navarra, a region found in the north of Spain and known for its beautiful landscape and diverse terroir. Vineyards are filled with Tempranillo and Garnacha, typical varieties from Spain. But thanks to the famous Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) and the area’s proximity to France, winegrowers have been inspired to use French varietals such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

About Navarra and Its Wines

The Navarra region is nestled into the Pyrenees of north-central Spain, just south of France. With an area smaller than the state of Connecticut, Navarra has three major climate types: semi-arid Mediterranean, transitional Continental, and sub-humid Atlantic. The landscape consists of semi-desert basin, dense woodland hills, and towering mountains. This diverse wine growing region occupies about half of the Navarra region and is approximately 34,000 acres.

Its five distinct winemaking subzones (Ribera Baja, Ribera Alta, Tierra Estella, Valdizarbe, and Baja Montaña) are defined by a variety of ecosystems and growing environments such as slopes, streams, plateaus, plains, and more. Soils in the hills of Tierra Estella are high in limestone and can be rocky. In Valdizarbe, they are of chalk, and in Ribera Baja and Ribera Alta, soils are sandy and nutrient poor.

Red wine varieties comprise 92% of the wines grown in Navarra. Tempranillo (35%) and Grenache (23%) are the most cultivated. Bordeaux varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon (16%) and Merlot (14%), are frequently used for blending, as is a minor grape, Graciano (less than 2%). Authorized to be grown in Navarra, too, are Carignan, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Responsible for only 8% of wine grapes grown in the region are Chardonnay, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Viura, Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia, and White Grenache.

Navarra Wines to Find and Enjoy Tonight

Fortunately, I received as samples, four delicious and wallet-friendly wines from this historic wine region and after tasting, I knew that these wines were just what my friend was seeking. I was correct… she appreciated the suggestions and promptly purchased a few bottles. ¡Salud!

Just delicious and a real bargain at $14 was Vega Sondra Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2017 from vineyards planted in the Valley of Valdizarbe, one of Navarra’s most historical viticultural areas. Aromas of juicy citrus, golden apple, ripe apricot, white pepper and hint of wood were intriguing entries. On the round palate, bursting with acidity, I discovered notes of grilled pineapple and lemon, a touch of anise and marzipan, ripe orchard fruit, oak and stone. The luscious citrus-driven finish lingered. Enjoy each sip with your favorite panini, roast chicken recipe or pasta dish with white sauce. The wine was fermented in French oak barrels for three months prior to bottling.

Those at Bodegas Nekeas, the producer of this Chardonnay, are focused “towards the goal of heathy, disease-free grapes and maintaining respect for the environment in all that they do” from plantings, varieties, rootstocks, clones and soil types.

After my first sip of Bodegas Ochoa Calendas Rosé 2018 ($14), a lip-smacking blend of 70% Garnacha and 30% Tempranillo, I knew it would be a winning combination with my cup of chicken chili with a dash of barbecue sauce for that extra kick. Bright aromas of rose petals, ripe and juicy strawberries and raspberries, lime zest, sweet spice and subtle minerality were enticing. On the dry, fruit-forward palate, I noted flavors of ripe red fruit, maraschino cherries, hint of lime, crushed cranberries and pomegranate with the slightest hint of tannins and vivid acidity. The finish was long and lively.

Bodegas Ochoa has been located in Olite, the capital of Navarra in Spain, since medieval times. It produced wine for the King and his royal court in the late 1300s and even now, Bodegas Ochoa is family owned and operated.

Paired with hard cheeses and tapas, I craved each sip of Castillo Monjardin Pinot Noir El Cerezo 2017 ($12). After a few swirls, ripe cherries, dark plums, crushed raspberries, wet chalk, wood and minerality wafted from the glass. Moderate acidity and tannic structure framed elegant notes of black cherries, blackberries, red berries, plums and black pepper. The satin-like finish was long and satisfying and could easily be enjoyed with grilled salmon, sushi, mushroom risotto or chicken curry.

This is one of the few Pinot Noirs in Spain from grapes cultivated in the “El Cerezo,” a 30 year old vineyard. Aged for 9 months in French oak, the wine continued to age in the bottle for 6 months before release.

Robust and food friendly the Inurrieta Cuatrocientos Crianza 2016 ($18) was a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Graciano and 6% Syrah. Lovely aromas of cherries, plums, blackberries, vanilla and crushed lavender led to flavors of blueberries, juicy plums, blackberries, vanilla and hint of raw meat. Surrounded with lively acidity and firm tannins, this wine was just as delicious the next evening when paired with homemade lasagna. Perfection.

The vineyard is located at an altitude of 400 meters, an elevation which allows the grapes to undergo a long ripening process, ensuring luscious aromas and flavors once poured. Aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels, the quality/price ratio is difficult to match!

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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