So many smaller wine regions in Spain are trying to lift themselves into the consciousness of consumers — it isn’t easy. Today’s wine comes from the region known as Cariñena in the Aragon district of northeastern Spain. Confusingly, today’s wine is also made from the Cariñena (Carignane) grape, along with equal parts of Garnacha (Grenache).
This is a winter wine — fat, generous with a “beefy” element that will remind you of standing rib roast! Not a bad match actually, for any substantial fare.
2013 Grandes Vinos y Viñedos Cariñena, Corona De Aragon Special Selection $15 srp
Ruby red color with garnet rim. Dark, earthy nose of saturated plum/prune with loam, mushroom and licorice elements. Wonderfully rounded mouth texture that’s somehow calm yet intense. There’s a chewy fruit structure with a beef bouillon element on the robust finish. (50% Garnacha, 50% Cariñena) Drink now-2018.
88/100 points
