PARKER: GREDOS, ARAGÓN AND NAVARRA

The latest articles published by Luis Gutiérrez in Robert Parker Wine Advocate assess the wines of Gredos, Aragón and Navarra.

In every instance, Mr. Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's correspondent in Spain, writes appreciatively of the wines made from a variety that, though held in low esteem from many years, is currently experiencing a spectacular renaissance; namely, Red Grenache.

Beginning with Aragón, the Scotsman Norrel Robertson MW, based in Calatayud and owner of the "El Escocés Volante" winery, is the producer of Manga del Brujo 2013, an outstanding value that combines Grenache, Carignan, Tempranillo and Syrah. Parker 92.

Still in Calatayud, Bodegas Ateca produces two wines from old, high-altitude Grenache vineyards. Both are single varietals, and both got a score of 89 Parker points.

Atteca 2014, aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.

Atteca Armas 2015, made from the oldest, highest vineyards and aged for 18 months. Great ageing potential.

In the Campo de Borja DO, Bodegas Borsao crafts Borsao Bole 2014, a blend of Grenache and Syrah with a ridiculously good price. Parker 90.

Heading north, Bodegas Julián Chivite is one of Navarra's best known wineries. Chivite Colección 125 Reserva 2011 is a classic, flawless single varietal Tempranillo aged for 14 months in French oak. Parker 91.

Our last stop is the Sierra de Gredos mountains, a land full of magical Grenache vineyards. Belonging to the Vinos de Madrid DO, the Comando G winery presents two superb, terroir-orientated single varietal wines.

La Bruja Avería 2015, aged for 7 months in French oak barrels. Parker 92.

El Hombre Bala 2014, 10 months in French oak barrels. Parker 92.

 

Until our next post,

Enjoy wine -and let it breathe.