Menguante Selección Garnacha 2012 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was a parting gift I received after the Garnacha Day tasting in September.

It is produced by Viñedos y Bodegas Pablo, a family-owned winery located in Almonacid de la Sierra, Zaragoza, in northeastern Spain. The winery dates back to the 18th century, but the winemaking traditions of this family go back even further - to 1760.

The fascinating story begins with the founder, Antonio Hernández, making grapes into wine in the underground cellar that was dug by hand and is the site where the current cellar is found today. The wine caves still exist today and previously used to house large wooden vats with capacities between 5,000 to 6,000 Litres. These vats were so large that they had to be built inside the caves. The winery has since been pulsating along, growing and modernizing itself in the process, while still maintaining the family's roots.

This red wine was released earlier this year into VINTAGES on July 23rd and small quantities are still available throughout the province of Ontario.

Tasting Note:

MENGUANTE SELECCIÓN GARNACHA 2012 - DOP Cariñena, Spain (#313833) (XD) - $16.95
8 months in barrel. Ripe red plum and cherry, plus raisiny aromas from the cork. Charmingly rustic with medium-high intensity aromas of raspberry, cranberry, cherry with graphite/lead elements and some woody notes. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and subtly oak-influenced flavours cherry, cranberry, red currant and Mediterranean herbs. Acids are lively and juicy. Earth and wood notes linger on the long finish. Drink over the next 2-3 years. Good value. Score: 88 pts