Winemaker Notes
Cepa por Cepa is a younger and more fruit forward expression of the most Atlantic Garnacha in Spain, sourced from extremely old clones and vineyards of Garnacha that are used for El Chaparral.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Made from a careful vine-by-vine replanting of a very old Garnacha vineyard in the hills of Navarra, this red wine reveals the nuanced, almost delicate side of the variety. Energetic, transparent, and subtle, this is a standout wine. Plums, pomegran- ate, and red cherry set the backdrop for surprisingly detailed layers of white tea, a waft of tobacco, and a pleasing powder-fine earthiness. Savory qualities emerge with further sipping. A pleasure. Best Buy.
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James Suckling
Bright medium-ruby hue. The transparently fruity nose is full of white pepper, anise and raspberries. Round and juicy on the palate, with just medium body and soft-grained tannins. Good clarity and pristine spiciness, but a little more tension and length would take it to the next level.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Just north of Spain’s famous Rioja region, Navarra excels in the production of full and fruit-dominant reds and good quality, dry rosés. Garnacha holds most of the land under vine, with Tempranillo coming in second place.