A Crianza wine has been aged in oak barrels for a year or more. In this case, it's 14 months in prime French and American oak. The result is an excellent value blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Graciano that's lively, well balanced and expressive, with elegant and well-balanced red berries and spices on the nose. You'll also find it fresh and fulsome, with a mild sweetness from its ripe tannins. And where better to end than on the long and very pleasant finish?
A very tasty rose - one of the top numbers from this wine maker. Lots of raspberry and strawberry aromas, strong yet not overpowering, and lots of sweet fruit taste, but dry at the palate. Long aftertaste. Good balance between taste and acidity. Try it as you balance a paella, pasta, risotto or lightly grilled chicken on your knee next to the barbecue. Very, very enjoyable.
A typical Navarra wine, in that it benefits from both the warm Mediterranean and cooler Atlantic influences. This is an uncomplicated but interesting blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. After six months aging in French oak barrels, the softness of the Merlot grape prevails, but the mature, subtle black fruit aromas of the Cabernet Sauvignon remain. On the nose, look out for delicate aromas of blackberries and blueberries, with an interesting spicy and smoky edge. A good long finish, with round, not too ripe tannins makes this a perfect match for pork, lamb and turkey.
Six months in American oak barrels give extra personality to this interesting blend of Grenache Graciano and Merlot. A bright intense red. The Grenache and Merlot deliver plenty of red fruit oomph, with the delicately scented Graciano largely responsible for the floral overtones. Look out for hints of vanilla and cocoa too. It's well-balanced, oily and ample in the mouth, yet lively and joyful (and the low cost will bring a smile to your lips too).
Castillo Perelada owns 5 Vineyards in the Emporda, each of them with their own geological conditions. The soil heterogeneity in this region is unique and allows to make wines with an extremely wide range of nuances. Cherry red colour with a garnet edge. Intense and enveloping aroma that reminds of ripe fruit, with spicy and roasted notes. It reaches great volume in the mouth. It is fleshy, well-structured and balsamic. It has a very fresh acidity and silky tannins. This is a well-balanced wine, creamy, nice in the mouth, with a long after-taste.
A classic 50:50 blend here, with the boldness of Syrah melding beautifully with the mildness of Merlot. With 12 months in oak to its benefit, this is a very interesting wine, full of aromas of ripe fruits and with a sensational taste, as well as an intense cherry red colour. There are strong fruity aromas of plum, blackcurrant and jam, as well as a hint of coffee, making it the perfect accompaniment to a hearty roast (not to mention the cheese afterwards).