If you are new to this website, you will quickly learn I am a Spanish wine freak. I love them. From a youthful Tempranillo from Rioja to a robust blend from Priorat to a briny Albarino from the sea-kissed region of Rias Baixas in Galicia, I love Spanish wines…and don’t even get me started on my affinity for Sherry. Wines from Spain are approachable, affordable, elegant, and expressive, showcasing the expansive and vastly different terroirs blanketing the country.

Tempranillo is easily the country’s signature red, produced throughout Spain under differing designations, including Tinta de Toro, Ull de Llebre, Cencibel, Tinto Fino, and Tinta del Pai. It is even known as Tinta Roriz in Portugal. However, as glorious as the medium-bodied red with an affinity for American oak aging is, Garnacha holds a very special place and taste in my heart.

VARA Wines 2020 Garnacha Gold Label Vino Tinto Españo showcases the native grape of Aragon with a balanced, youthful, refreshing take on the variety that often is associated more with France than Spain. (Garnacha is Grenache in France and often labeled similarly throughout the world). With Garnacha as the base, the wine blends predominantly Garnacha and Cariñena, along with Monastrell, Mencía, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. As the American-based winery is in New Mexico, winemakers Bob Lindquist and Louisa Sawyer Lindquist bring a bit of California to the mix, with 77% of the blend coming from the Monstant DO in Spain and 23% of the blend coming from the Central Coast AVA of California. The wine is energetic, expressive, and lush with ripe red berries, sweet cherries, a touch of woody herb and truffle, crushed stone, and spicy licorice. The perfect wine to enjoy any night of the week.

#Cheers