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Garnacha is the most widely planted grape in Spain and is extremely well-suited to hot climates. (It is called Grenache in France and is a key component in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.) Garnacha is grown mainly in the north and east of Spain where it makes excellent roses and is one of the blend varieties in many Rioja wines. Despite this, garnacha has not enjoyed a great reputation, being seen more as a grape to blend with others higher in tannins.
Nonetheless, in recent times it is being recognised as a grape that has much to offer in its own right. For example, Martinez-Bujanda in Rioja are producing a joven made with 100% garnacha. However, it is in the well-regarded region of Priorato where garnacha is coming into its own. This can be seen most famously in one of Spains most highly rated and expensive wines - LErmita - which consists of 80% old vine (vinas viejas) garnacha and 20% cabernet sauvignon.
It certainly appears that garnacha grown on old vines (about 100 years in the case of LErmita) is capable of producing wines of extraordinary complexity and depth. In garnachas Spanish homeland of Aragon this can be tasted in Baltasar Gracian Vinas Viejas from the San Alejandro Cooperativa in Calatayud. This wine is 100% (very) old vine garnacha and costs approximately one fortieth of LErmita! Jancis Robinson describes the wine as a prime offering&wildly underpriced (FT 7/5/05).
Garnacha has shown that it can make wines to rival any and is worth seeking out and trying.
This Article on Sweet Spanish Wine was written by Steve Bannell of Alegria Wines. Telephone 0034 626 469 154
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