Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa Old Vine Garnacha is pure, young, herbal and balsamic Garnacha, with aromas of thyme and lavender. It is aged in French oak for six months, and comes through as balsamic and fruity, with aromas of licorice and spices, red berries and enough complexity for a young wine. It’s an easy-to-drink, pleasant version of Garnacha, highly recommended, and at great price. Drink now.
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.