Winemaker Notes
This young red from Xavier Clua Como in the Terra Alta is very impressive. It nose is bursting with fresh, dark black fruit including blackberries and plums. In the mouth it has zesty, bright acidity for good balance and is surprisingly rich and long. Ripe, firm tannins provide ample structure to stand up to highly spiced foods as well as long-cooked cool-weather hearty fare.
Blend: 50% Garnacha, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), 10% Merlot
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.
The highest wine growing zone in Spanish Cataluña, Terra Alta is south of Priorat and Montsant. Here growers are following the trends of Priorat, recovering Garnacha blanca vines for white wines and focusing on quality red blends.