The story: Garnacha (known as Grenache outside of Spain) is a red skinned grape grown widely throughout the world. Lending itself primarily to hot, dry climates it has done well in France's Rhone region, parts of Spain, Australia, and the warmer areas of California. The grape can be a bit lacking in both acid and tannins and is often blended into Grenache, Syrah, and Mouvedre blends (known as GSM) to add juicy berry flavors, and an element of softness. However, if grown carefully it can develop complex flavors loaded with berry, leather, tar, and even smoky earth elements.
One area in Spain, Campo de Borja, is located in the northwest section of Spain and provides an excellent climate for the production of Garnacha single varietal wines. They have dubbed themselves the 'Empire of Garnacha' and are planted at 62% Garnacha. The area exports a lot of their wine, and tends to offer quality wines at an affordable price.
The wine: The
Tres Picos Borsao Garnacha 2008 comes in at 14.5% abv, and pours a scarlet red, nearly opaque juice. The nose was held back until about 45 minutes allowed it to open up. It then offered copious blackberry and vanilla, with some nice notes of licorice and black pepper. The wine was delicious tasting of brambly fruit, blueberries, and leather, followed by a spicy floral mid pallette, and finishing with a smokey, earthy finish that lasted quite awhile. As the wine opened up more of the vanilla, and oaky elements came forward however always in balance, and offering medium tannins that really just framed the flavors.
The verdict: This wine is delicious now, and I think will stay delicious for a couple of years. I does not necessarily offer an opportunity to cellar and hold onto the wine, so feel comfortable drinking it now. I received it at a office party gift exchange (believe me, this was by FAR the best gift available), but it seems to retail widely for
around $14. 4 out of 5 is my score, 91 is Tanzer's. A wholehearted recommendation for a buy on this one. Enjoy.
The wine: The Tres Picos Borsao Garnacha 2008 comes in at 14.5% abv, and pours a scarlet red, nearly opaque juice. The nose was held back until about 45 minutes allowed it to open up. It then offered copious blackberry and vanilla, with some nice notes of licorice and black pepper. The wine was delicious tasting of brambly fruit, blueberries, and leather, followed by a spicy floral mid pallette, and finishing with a smokey, earthy finish that lasted quite awhile. As the wine opened up more of the vanilla, and oaky elements came forward however always in balance, and offering medium tannins that really just framed the flavors.
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