A Calatayud, Spain Garnacha

A Calatayud, Spain Garnacha: Wine Reviewed
Las Rocas Garnacha Calatayud DO 2009 15% alcohol about $14

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Description: This beauty shows notes of smoke, black fruits, and spice box, with an emerging cherry character. This is a smoothly textured wine that will have you double-checking the price in wonderment at every sip. Enjoy with a mushroom risotto.” And now for my review.


At the first sips this wine was deep with a pleasant touch of oak. The initial meal started with bean, lentil, and onion soup. In response this Garnacha showed great length with plums in the fore. With the accompanying Japanese rice crackers it was round and mouth filling. When it met the meal’s centerpiece of slow cooked beef the wine tasted of chocolate and presented light tannins. There wasn’t much change when it accompanied the side of potatoes that were cooked with the meat. The other side dish of zucchini, chickpeas, and onions rendered this libation chewy with a chocolate taste. I added Louisiana chili and lime sauce to the meat and the wine opened.

This review of a medium-priced Spanish Garnacha (Grenache) wine continues on our website.