It certainly bears repeating that some of the best values one can find in wine are from Spain, Portugal, southern France, southern Italy and South America. I should tally it up someday and see how many of my picks over the last five years have actually come from Spain. Over and over again, I am presented with over-achievers from this country and this month is no different. With all the planned Christmas parties and the meals that will be served, it’s nice to find a wine that will satisfy the needs of wine drinkers at a very affordable price appropriate for both parties and meals such as ham and prime rib. This month I discovered a fantastic Garnacha from Spain that will do the trick nicely.
2022 Gil Family Estates Flor de Morca Garnacha (Campo De Borja, Spain)…. $13.
Garnacha reigns in the DO of Campo De Borja, in the foothills of the Pyrenees in northern Spain. This is an arid region with Garnacha vines that average 30-50 years old, resulting in wines of concentration and complexity. This one is proof of the gems that come from this area of the world.
Aromas of black olive, dark red flowers, strawberries, and cherries. Fleshy tannins support notes of cherries and currants with a kiss of milk chocolate, which is balanced by fresh acidity. A dash of spice comes through on the back of the mid-palate into the finish, where notes of worn leather, chocolate, and currants linger. It has good balance and is relatively complex for the money. I’ve tried this little gem several times and am very impressed. (B-)
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
