*tasting note at the bottom
**Part of the ‘Spanish Value Experiment
If you’re of a masochistic nature and enjoy running long races, the half-way mark can either be a welcome boost or a crushing reminder than you still have X amount of miles to run (where X always means ‘altogether too many’, regardless). For those of us with our priorities in a more correct order, the half-way mark of 24 bottles of Spanish wine is definitely welcome, especially when it takes the form of old-vine Garnacha from one of Spain’s increasingly exciting regions; Calatayud. An arid region in northern Spain, Calatayud has become the home of some dynamic wine-makers in recent years, as well as some reasonably strong co-operatives. Although plantings of Tempranillo and some international varieties have increased, the soul of the region is in its rustic, earthy and powerful expressions of Garnacha, which accounts for close to 70% of all plantings.
Alquez de Sommos Garnacha 2015 is a 100% Garnacha wine made by Bodega Sommos, a producer better known in DO Somontano, who purchased Bodega Vinae Mureri and acquired their plots of old-vine Garnacha. My own experiences of Garnacha from Calatayud has tended towards the newer producers such as Escoces Volante and Bodega Frontonio (both of which I rate highly), so there’s a lot to live up to!
Tasting Note
100% Garnacha from old vines (60 years average) from several plots across Calatayud. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak of unspecified age for 12 months. 14.5% ABV
Unusually deep in colour for Garnacha and certainly not shy on the nose! Notes of strawberry jam, over-ripe cherries, vanilla, sweet spices, coffee and black pepper tumble out of the glass, with the oak profile in particular dominating proceedings. Dry yet sweet-fruited on the palate, with a surprisingly fresh profile, incredibly soft tannins and similar flavours as suggested on the nose. Finishes cleanly and with a slightly misplaced, milk-chocolate sensation, both texturally and in terms of flavour. Obvious, oaky but well balanced structurally and certainly a well made wine – just not my cup of tea. 88Pts.
Purchased from Vinissimus for €9.20