ARTAZURI GARNACHA 2012
SPAIN
By: Ed "The Wine Guy"
The Spanish Garnacha grape is similar to the French Grenache grape. Some people (but neither the Spanish nor the French, out of national pride, I suspect) would say that they are identical. But, even if they were identical, the influence of location, soil, and climate - terroir - would make the resulting wines very different. Artazuri Garnacha is a good everyday red wine, bright-ruby in color; medium-bodied; with aromas and flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and plum; well-balanced (the fruit, acidity, and mild tannins combine harmoniously); and the flavors hold through the finish. A slight chilling period, perhaps a half-hour in the refrigerator, will control the taste of alcohol, which is sometimes apparent in a red wine on summer days, and it will not harm the flavors; in fact, I think that chilling the wine slightly concentrates the flavors. A thoroughly enjoyable wine!