This is an inexpensive Spanish Garnacha (Grenache) from Spain. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has dusty black cherries. Sweet and slightly candied on the palate with black cherry fruit as well. Clean. This sells for around $20. It will work with heartier foods. This should be consumed in the next few years. A fun wine that should be a hit among non-wine geeks.
Sotavento is a private label bottling from this cooperative in Spain. It is made from Garnacha (Grenache). Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose is tight. With air, black cherries and dust come out. Medium bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, black cherries and spice. Moderate finish. This needs some time, but it remains to be seen if the fruit outlasts the tannins. Probably better with some food. Stews would work well. Drink over the next five years.
This wine, first introduced in 2002, is always a popular wine with those who enjoy full throttle wines that have plenty of fruit. But, it is more than just a lush fruit bomb. The vines producing fruit range from 40 to 70 years old. Purple in color with some ruby hues. The nose has black cherries, cinnamon, and baking spices. On the palate, this has juicy cherries and black cherries with some underlying char and earthiness. Plenty of depth. There is a fair amount of oak showing on this, but if one prefers, lay this down in a good cellar for ten years and it should integrate nicely. Ah,
From the mountains, just east of Madrid comes this old vine, high altitude Garnacha that is unlike any that I have tried from elsewhere in the world. It is 98% Garnacha and 2% Cariñena. The vines are 90 years old. It is very pretty in the glass. Light but intense ruby in color, clear and bright. The nose has candied cherries, with underlying char and great minerality. With air a touch of pine and salinity shows up. On the palate, this is medium bodied. Very concentrated. The candied cherries are there but also a fresh cherry quality. Underlying char and minerals. Great energy wit
