By Dwight Casimere
Evodia Garnache 2019 is an exceptional wine made from old vines grapes that are as old as 100 years. Collected from historic vineyards high in the Iberico Mountains of Aragon, Spain, and a region rich in history and rich in wine culture.
Calatayud is the municipality in the Province of Zaragoza, the largest town within then province of Aragon. Founded by the Romans, the modern town was created by the Moors around an ancient castle. In fact, the name Calatayud, comes from the Arabic language. This is the home of Evodia Garnacha.
I visited Zaragoza recently and walked through its mountain vineyards to witness its gnarled old vines and rocky soils amid high velocity winds in the snow-dusted mountains above Calatayud. I tasted their exquisite wines, aged in full clusters in concrete tanks to preserve their concentrated, luscious fruit flavors, with about 20% of the wine aged in used oak barrels for three months. The final blend is fresh tasting wine with floral aromatics and an abundant flavor of ripe, red fruit.
Evodia Garnache has received a 90-point rating from wine experts.
The Garnache grape originated in the Aragon region of Spain. It is also known as Grenache in France. It is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. In Europe, it is a single grape variety that is grown across two distinct regions of Spain and France. In many ways, the grape and its wine has created its own distinct culture and language across the regions. The wine of Garnacha and the Catalan culture and language are integral to each other. The more you taste the wines of the Calatayud and learn of the rich culture of the land, the more immersed you become. Visit winesofgarnacha.com for more.
High altitude vineyards and old vines create wines of distinction. Opening a bottle of Evodia Garnache 2019 is the gateway to a wine drinking experience steeped in history. A single taste opens the senses to a world of intense pleasure.
Evodia Garnache 2019 is a versatile wine that is right at home with rustic, home-cooked meals. A simple plate of strong cheeses and some garlicky sausages or thinly sliced aged ham to start, and a first course of meatballs and gravy with slow-simmered white beans flavored with smoked meat and a side salad of freshly picked Arugula are just the thing. Add a simple dessert of some fruit to have with the last taste of wine, and you have the makings of a perfect meal.
Garnache/Grenache wines are enjoying an international revival.
Drink responsibly.