DOUBLE AGENT ALLOCATION:

Today’s Valdivieso Malbec has sold out. In its place, we offer you this fine Garnacha. Be sure to act quickly when you see a wine you love. They can go fast!

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Mission Codename: Bailar Valenciana

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Acquire a delicious Valencia Garnacha for our operatives

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Pago de Montal

Wine Subject: 2007 Garnacha Tinto Barrica

Winemaker: Joan Soler

Backgrounder:

Grenache, or Garnacha as it is called in Spain is one of the moist widely planted varietals along the Mediterranean coast find its unique expressions in both France’s Rhone region as well as in Spain’s southern coast. And while Spain is perhaps best known for its Cava, Sherry, Ribera del Duero and Rioja, there are great and fun wines to be found. The best ones are lush and rustic, great with food and fun to drink as is today’s selection.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dense ruby red with a slight garnet tint through its clear darkish core. Along the edges, the color remains deep ruby and when swirled, this wine leaves evenly spaced medium thick legs along the side of the glass.

Smell – Medium in intensity with ripe and rich cherry layered over earthy and herbal notes. A touch of meaty leather, spice and soft wood adds complexity and is slightly reminiscent of a Pinot.

Feel – Lush and supple, this wine’s initial attack has a little spice that immediately softens as it generously expands on the palate. Balanced acidity and well developed and integrated tannins hold this fruit forward wine into the finish.

Taste – Plenty of plush red fruit including ripe cherry (and a slight hint of bitter cherry too) and hints of sweet strawberry and raspberry blend with earthy and herbal notes. Easy and approachable with added complex notes of leather and spice.

Finish – Clean and medium in length, this wine’s ripe fruit fades gently leaving hints of its earthy and herbal notes just a bit longer and inviting another sip (or gulp).

Conclusion – The 2007 Pago de Montal Garnacha Tinto Barrica is a really approachable and enjoyable wine, smooth and fresh fruit on the nose and palate and an easy plush texture that lingers into the warm finish. The earthy quality and its soft herbal and spice notes makes this a wine that is great for a variety of foods and especially Spanish inspired tapas of chorizo, mushrooms, goat cheese and lots of garlic!

Mission Report:

Agent White was last seen with winemaker Joan Soler but hasn’t reported for duty in the last two days. It is assumes that he is A.W.O.L. If he is seen, please report his whereabouts immediately to OPS. He should be considered dangerous and armed with a deadly corkscrew. Approach with extreme caution.

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the is Fuente-Álamo (Albacete) can be seen in this satellite photo.