Barb Wild’s Weekly Pick Is Borsao Garnacha

Barb Wild has been sipping again and this week’s pick is Borsao Garnacha. Read more on wine on The Good Wine Gal site, and her previous picks are here.

Happy Wine Wednesday wine lovers! I’m happy to report that I’m in Spain at the moment. It’s not particularly warm but the sun is shining, people are friendly and good wine is everywhere. When thinking about what wine to share this week I am reminded of my first taste of Borsao Garnacha. It was about four years ago but I have not forgotten my first impression.

What’s the deal?

From Zaragoza, the Campo de Borja DO is located in the north east of Spain near Arragon. Here you’ll find Bodegas Borsao here offering Garnacha in a variety of styles.

The first evidence of wine in this region dates back to the 13th century and of course monks and the church were involved. In the 1950s a cooperative was established to produce wine and in 2000, 700 members invested in and established Bodegas Borsao. Since 2010 awards have been handed out from Robert Parker to James Suckling and Jancis Robinson to mention a few. Let’s just say this is a bit of a hidden gem here in Canada.

Why I like it?

Garnacha is Grenache. This is a red varietal that in France is the king of Chateauneuf du Pape and some of the most expensive age-worthy wines in the world. It plays second string in Spain, following after Tempranillo. Garnacha has big flavours like bright red cherry fruit and floral notes like rose and violet. Here the acidity and alcohol shake hands in a way that allows the flavours to shine through. This wine stands up to a spicy chicken burger, meatless chili or pulled pork sandwich.

Price: At $14.99 I can’t think of many other  wines that have as much to offer at this price. In fact this is why Spanish wine is so popular.

Available: Look no further than the BC Liquor Stores for this week’s sip of Borsao Garnacha.