Medium ruby color; ripe red fruits, blackberry, spice, vanilla on the nose; black cherry, plum, blackberry, white pepper on the palate.
Dry; gentle tannins, nice balancing acidity. Good length. Six months in American oak gives this note of oak, but not overly oaked; 14% ABV.
Bodegas San Valero is the oldest winery in Cariñena; 700 grape growers cultivate some 8,600 acres in Cariñena district. All the vineyards surround the winery in the Cariñena village; 70% of the vineyards are indigenous varieties. This offering is 100% garnacha, most of the vines that provided grapes for this effort are a century old—thus the Viñas Centenarias name.
The key to the Cariñena climate is significant day-night temperature variations, a characteristic of almost all quality vineyards. Cariñena also has altitude, which enhances the diurnal variation. The ancient vines—used in this effort—also are very low yield, which concentrates flavor, minerality, and complexity. It also necessarily increases the price, but this is Spanish wine so their “super-premium” wine still is affordable.
Bodegas San Valero Particular Viñas Centenarias Cariñena 2016 is a flagship offering from Cariñena, a significant player in Spanish wine production. Rich, juicy flavors and minerality; elegant. Improves with air. Pair with all types of meat, especially grilled red meats; sausage; veal; stews with strong flavors; barbecue; wild game; chicken and turkey; pork; lamb; strong cheese; goat cheese. $20-25
