93 Points - James Suckling
I can’t think of any other Garnacha from Spain that has garnered so much attention and so many accolades from AWM customers. When I introduced the 2015 vintage of this wine it was an instant hit and sold out almost immediately. The 2016 OGV is another show stopper of a Garnacha, and like the 2015 vintage, it’s the best bang for the buck/quality in Garnacha I’ve encountered so far this year. As far as I”m concerned, there is no better Garnacha out there for the money.
D.O. Calatayud
Calatayud is one of the largest DOs in the Aragón region of Spain. A combination of the region’s high altitude and arid climate provides ideal conditions for producing some of Spain’s finest Garnacha. The wide diurnal shift produces significantly cooler evening temperatures allowing the grapes to reach full levels of ripeness, while still maintaining good lift and freshness. The red iron-rich soils are studded with layers of loose rock, sand, and gravel and this soil combination does an outstanding job of preserving the region’s precious moisture.
Bodegas Cooperativa Virgen de la Sierra has been making wine in the Calatayud for more than 100 years. Close to 600 families take part in the Co-op and over the years, the vineyard holdings have grown to more than 700 hectares. The land in this Co-op has been passed down in local families for generations, and there is an amazing sense of pride and quality that drives all aspects of production.
Co-op wines are often ignored by the wine press and snubbed by collectors in favor of estate grown and bottled wines. I’ve learned over the years that while most estate wines are indeed quality driven, so are carefully chosen Cooperative wines. In some cases, the Co-op is the driving force of the local economy, and dozens if not hundreds of families depend on it for income. In most cases, the well-made Co-op wine is the bargain when compared to similar quality estate wines.
Bodega Cooperativa Virgen De La Sierra is a perfect example of a Co-op that does everything right. They balance a perfect blend of old school tradition in the vineyards and the best of modern technology in the winery — there’s no use of chemicals or pesticides on the vines and there’s a bare minimum of intervention at the winery. Grapes are harvested and sorted by hand and growers are paid based on the quality of their grapes, not on quantity.
Superb old vine Garnacha - 50 to 100 year old vines
Smooth and silky, with ripe, supple tannins
The Co-op at Virgen De La Sierra operates with a level of integrity far beyond the average Co-op, however, they have a secret weapon that truly defines their wine: the grapes are harvested from 70 to 100-year-old vines. These knarled old vines produce a minuscule yield that is absolutely magnificent in density, nuance, and extraction.
When you get this one into your glass, you’ll see why everyone is in love with this wine. On the nose, you’re greeted with aromas of toasty blueberry and berry compote. The real action starts on the palate — dark berry, blueberry, baking spice, and vanilla mingle with hints of coffee and mocha on the finish. There’s a lot going on with this wine and as it gets a little air, it really starts to come alive. There’s a ton of fruit, however, it’s not a lollipop — the ample tannin allows one to enjoy this with a steak, yet it’s smooth and supple enough to sip on the porch.
30 cases just arrived, so get it while the getting is good!
James Suckling – 93 Points
“Enveloping nose of blue fruit and impressive concentration on the palate of this expressive Garnacha. Lovely, creamy texture, in spite of a healthy dose of tannin, the long finish leaves you in no doubt. Drink or hold.”
Winery Notes:
“Dark ruby color with shades of purple. Sexy and silky palate, spice-accented blackberry and cherry aromas and a brilliant ruby color with violet notes. This distinctly[sic] Garnacha wine finishes with excellent length and warm tannins”
2016 “OGV” Old Vine Garnacha
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