International Grenache Day, Spanish Style
As the Spanish buyer I must take the opportunity of International Grenache Day to remind the wine drinking world that Grenache, AKA Garnacha, is from Spain. It is believed to originate in the Aragon region. It was the Crown of Aragon that brought the grape variety down the Ebro River to Catalonia and from Catalonia (what would become the French and Spanish sides) to the Rhône, Sardegna, and the rest of the Mediterranean. Now that the super-abbreviated history lesson is done, I want to take you on a quick tour of Spain’s take on the grape and point out several Garnacha-based wines that I highly recommend.
2021 Dominio de la Chencha Garnacha Campo de Borja $11.99 Campo de Borja is in Aragon, which is believed to be the birthplace of Garnacha. It is here where some of the best-value Garnacha in the world can be found. Sourced from several vineyards that are over 70 years old. Bright, with lots of berry fruit, easy tannins, and a fresh and easy finish.
2022 Vinyes Domenech "Vi D'Amfora" Montsant $19.99 Montsant is located in Catalonia not too far from where the Ebro River meets the sea. This is mountain Garnacha; it is grown within a nature preserve in the southern part of the region. This is a wine that is made to accentuate its origin, made with minimal intervention in concrete. This is vibrant, pure fruits with notes of wildflowers and herbs.
2021 Bodega La Cartuja Priorat $19.99 Priorat is not typically 100% Garnacha. There are usually a few other grapes blended in with it. This is one of the premier locations in the world for this variety. Cartuja is a modern take on this region. Priorat is famous for it power and intensity, but not every occasion calls for wines with that intensity. This is brighter fresher and lighter. With all the classic mineral and mixed fruit flavors but in a style that doesn’t require a rich meal—or a meal at all.
2021 La Peligrosa Garnacha Cebreros $29.99 Cebreros is in the mountains to the west of Madrid. This is a very old growing region that has only reemerged in popularity within the last decade or so. Here Garnacha is the main red variety. The terroir here is completely different from the more famous and established regions. The soil is based on decomposing granite. The landscape is mountainous. And there are a lot of very old vineyards here. Here Garnacha is expresses in more red fruits; it has more lift and elegance while at the same time having present tannins. There is a delicious push/pull with these wines which makes them captivating dinner companions.
2021 Clos Erasmus "Laurel" Priorat $59.99 When the collectors think of Spanish Garnacha, Priorat is their first thought. Clos Erasmus is the reason that is so, it was one of the first highly sought-after collectible Priorats, in the late 1990s. The Laurel is not their flagship wine, which is crazy because it would be the case with most other wineries! The Laurel is from a mix of younger vines with some Syrah and Cab fermented and aged in vessels of various sizes and material. This is a wine of presence and place. The Llicorella soil gives the wine focus and minerality which presents a springboard for all of the amazing fruit tones not to mention the wild herbs and flowers. This is a wine for now and for the cellar.