Wines
of the Week:
Lovely sips from from Cariñena, Spain
D.O.P.
Cariñena has it all: old vines, heirloom
varietals, complexity of soils, and higher elevations. Located
in the northeastern region of Aragón, Cariñena
is Spain's foremost producer of old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena.
Bodegas Paniza, Bodegas San Valero and Grandes Vinos y Viñedos
are the leading producers of Cariñena wines. Planted
at high altitude, the vineyards descend into dramatic windswept
plains that benefit from extreme day-to-night temperature differences,
ideal conditions for the region's appealing, fruit-forward wines.
Here's what our tasting panel thought about a selection of wines
from the area:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Bodegas
Paniza 2008 Artigazo
Winery:
Bodegas Paniza
Grape(s): 40% Garnacha, 30% Syrah, 30%
Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2008
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Aromas of cherries, currants, and pomegranates combine
with suggestions of thyme, vanilla, and spice on the nose.
A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, and
pomegranate that open up into traces of pepper, herbs,
and toasty oak. Bright, complex flavors and supple tannins
make this wine ideal to pair with your favorite tapas.
Rating: 90 |
|
Grandes
Vinos y Viñedos Corona de Aragon 2013 Special Selection
Winery:
Grandes Vinos y Viñedos
Grape(s): 50% Garnacha & 50% Cariñena
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 25-30
Review:
Fragrances of cherries, raspberries, blackberries, and
smoky, spicy oak rise up from a glass. The palate reveals
flavors of dark cherry and blackberry that flow into highlights
of spice, creamy oak, and smoked meat. Ample fruit and
smooth tannins are balanced by a lively acidity making
this a lovely wine to enjoy with margarita pizza.
Rating: 90 |
 |
Bodegas
Paniza 2012 Viñas Viejas de Paniza Garnacha
Winery:
Bodegas Paniza
Grape(s): 100% Garnacha
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Plums, cherries, and raspberries mingle with spice, cocoa,
and game on the nose. With a sip, flavors of cherry, bramble
fruit, and plum come together with allusions of pepper,
dark chocolate, and minerals on the palate. With a bright
acidity and chalky tannins, this wine should be enjoy
with lamb chops.
Rating: 88 |
 |
Bodegas
San Valero 2012 Particular Old Vine Garnacha
Winery:
Bodegas San Valero
Grape(s): 100% Garnacha
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Aromatics of plums, cherries, and blackberries meld with
hints of earth and spicy oak on the nose. Flavors of blackberry,
plum, and dark cherry unfold into whispers of white pepper,
balsamic, and earth on the palate. Dark with hearty flavors,
pair a bottle with a chicken dish that has a medium heat
(as in spice) to it.
Rating: 87 |
 |
Grandes
Vinos y Viñedos, 3C Premium Selection 2013
Winery:
Grandes Vinos y Viñedos
Grape(s): 100% Cariñena
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
The nose showcases aromas of plums, cherries, and boysenberries
with accents of pepper and minerals. Plum, blueberry,
and cherry flavors emerge on the palate alongside spicy,
oaky, and earthy elements. A wine with a supple mouth-feel
and plush tannins, chicken fajitas would make a fine pairing.
And, it's a great value, too.
Rating: 89 |
See
more at: (click
here)
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
