Wines
of the Week: Great Buys 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 |
Paniza
2015 Cariñena
Winery:
Paniza
Grape(s): 100% Cariñena
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
One is greeted by a bouquet of cherries, plums, pepper,
and earth. Flavors of cherry and boysenberry interweave
with expressions of spice and leather on the palate. Polished
tannins carry bold flavors, making this wine a good match
for spicy chicken tacos.
Rating: 88 |
 |
Grandes
Vinos y Viñedos Corona de Aragon 2013 Special Selection
Winery:
Grandes Vinos y Viñedos Corona de Aragon
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, minerals, and smoke. Ample fruit and smooth
tannins are balanced by a lively acidity making this a
lovely wine to enjoy with margarita pizza.
Rating: 89 |
 |
Bodegas
San Valero 2014 Particular Cariñena
Winery:
Bodegas San Valero
Grape(s):
100% Cariñena
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Plenty of blackberries, plums, and currants mingle together
with elements of spice and leather on the nose. The palate
delivers flavors of bramble berries, cherry, and plum,
alongside expressions of spice and earth. A vivid wine
with supple tannins, open a bottle when you enjoy a roasted
pork shoulder.
Rating: 88 |
 |
Grandes
Vinos y Viñedos, 3C Premium Selection 2014
Winery:
Grandes Vinos y Viñedos
Grape(s): 100%
Cariñena
Region: Cariñena, Spain
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
A lovely combo of cherries, blackberries, violets, and
pepper greets the senses. Vibrant notes of spice and flowers
play well with cherry and plum flavors on the palate.
Striking a good balance between hearty and lush, enjoy
a glass with spicy turkey burgers.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|
