Paco & Lola, Garnacha/Tempanillo 2018, Navarra
What I really like about Spanish wine is its versatility. In recent weeks we have enjoyed some excellent white wines – Albariño, Godello, Garnacha Blanca – yet the Spanish reds are no less interesting. And not just the Rioja reds. Take this Paco & Lola Garnacha/Tempranillo for example, a very appealing blend made from grapes grown at altitudes of around 450m in Navarra.
Paco & Lola is already known for its scintillating Albariño and it is very good news that they are now producing an excellent red with the trademark ‘polka dot’ label. This Garnacha-Tempranillo blend combines two of Spain’s most widely-produced red-wine grape varieties and brings out the best features of both: Tempranillo brings higher acidity and tannin, and the Garnacha contributes body and fresh red fruit and warm spicy flavours. The result is a fruity, medium-bodied wine with a great personality.
It’s a dry wine with medium tannin, medium (+) acid and medium alcohol. With aromas of cherry, strawberry and plum on the nose, leading on to cranberry and redcurrant with a hint of cinnamon and smokiness on the palate, it’s a well-balanced wine with a medium (+) finish. It’s a great summer wine!