From: Navarra, Spain
Varietal: Garnacha Blanca
Taste: The 2019 Viña Zorzal Garnacha Blanca is a white wine representing its origins. The nose is instantly hit with refreshing notes of candied lemon, fresh citrus, and star fruit, intermingling with the subtle, fragrant undertones of lemongrass, apple blossom, and white peach. On the palate, it is a harmony of flavors, starting with candied lemon and progressing into a herbaceous heart, complemented by the sweetness of white peach and the distinct taste of basil. The texture of the wine speaks of its time on the skins, leaving a lasting impression on the taster.
Pairing: This versatile wine pairs well with a variety of cuisines. Whether you're indulging in a Vietnamese Bahn Xeo, an American Chinese chicken salad, a refreshing Thai papaya salad, a traditional Spanish tortilla, citrus-marinated grilled pork, or crispy potato tacos, this Garnacha Blanca is sure to enhance your culinary experience.
Spanish Tortilla With Tomato-Pepper Salad
By Melissa Clark
About. Viña Zorzal Wines, established in 1989, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the founder Antonio Sanz, whose foresight and dedication laid the groundwork for a venture that today stands for the ideals of authenticity, simplicity, and exceptional quality in the realm of wine. Since 2007, the reins of the business have been held by his sons Iñaki, Xabier, and Mikel Sanz, along with Rafael Regadera, who each bring their unique perspectives and expertise to this thriving enterprise.
Viña Zorzal wines hail from the distinctive DO Navarra and DOCa Rioja vineyards, producing wines that resonate with the land's character and history. One such offering is the 2019 Viña Zorzal Garnacha Blanca, a testament to the family's commitment to rescuing almost forgotten native Navarran grape varieties and creating unique, single-varietal wines.
The Garnacha Blanca grapes that make this remarkable wine are nurtured in the vineyards near Fitero, located on the edge of the Ebro River valley and the start of the Iberian mountains. This location offers a unique terroir where the Mediterranean influence of the Ebro Valley fades, and a more continental climate prevails. Here, hot summers, cold winters, and considerable temperature variations between day and night provide an ideal setting for the vines to flourish.
This region, marked by arid conditions, encourages the vine roots to burrow deep into the heterogeneous clay, limestone, and composite soils to find water. The stony soils, retaining heat during the day and releasing it at night, significantly contribute to the grapes ripening while also retaining soil moisture during the dry summer months. The natural flora around the vines actively nurtured and preserved by the Zorzal team, further enriches this unique terroir.
The Viña Zorzal family's environmentally-friendly viticulture practices are evident in their approach to vineyard management. From using selected native plants for ground cover to fertilizing with compost, all processes are carried out manually, in keeping with their philosophy of minimal intervention. This philosophy extends into the winery, where spontaneous fermentations are preferred, and additives and sulfur are kept to an absolute minimum.
The 2019 Viña Zorzal Garnacha Blanca is more than just a wine. It is a testament to the dedication and vision of a family deeply rooted in wine tradition. This dedication extends to the careful preservation of native grape varieties, the sustainable and minimal intervention practices in the vineyard and winery, and the drive to produce authentic expressions of their terroir. It is a testament to the beauty and character of Navarra and to the simplicity and authenticity that Viña Zorzal Wines stands for.