From: Navarra, Spain
Varietal: Garnacha
Taste & Critical Acclaim: This wine presents a brilliant, intense ruby color with deep, purple edges. On the nose, it offers clean, high-intensity aromas of ripe strawberries, red currants, raspberries, and red cherries, complemented by floral spices, black pepper, with subtle licorice and earth notes. The palate is dry and fresh, showcasing soft, food-friendly tannins and a medium body. The robust and spicy flavor profile includes pronounced red fruit flavors, mineral hints, and a long, refreshing finish.
"20% full clusters and was bottled early and unoaked. It has contained ripeness, berry fruit, hints of licorice and a touch of honey and beeswax. Primary and has a medium body and a juicy mouthfeel with good grip and tension, more serious than the nose points at, with some chalkiness and without any heaviness or heat. Purity." –Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 92 Points
Pairing: It is important to choose dishes with complementary or matching flavor intensities to ensure that neither the food nor the wine overwhelms the other. Robust and flavorful dishes, such as grilled meats, spicy Mediterranean cuisine, and rich vegetarian options, will match well with the wine's robust and spicy flavor profile.
This Garnacha is dry and fresh with soft, food-friendly tannins and medium body. It has a good balance of acidity, which helps to cut through richer foods and refresh the palate. When pairing, consider foods that balance the wine's acidity and complement its tannin structure. For example, dishes with a bit of fat (like roast chicken or pork tenderloin) or acidity (like tomato-based pasta sauces) will harmonize well with this wine.
Spanish Pork Skewers
By David Tanis
About: Viña Zorzal, a family-owned winery located in the village of Corella in the Navarra region of Spain, was founded in 1989 by Antonio Sanz. Antonio's passion for winemaking and his vision to revive traditional grape varieties laid the foundation for the winery. Significant changes came in 2007 when Antonio’s sons, Xabier, Iñaki, and Mikel Sanz, took over the operations, bringing a renewed focus on quality and sustainability. Under their leadership, Viña Zorzal began receiving international recognition for its commitment to traditional methods and high-quality wines.
Xabier Sanz oversees vineyard management and winemaking, Iñaki Sanz focuses on marketing and sales, and Mikel Sanz manages logistics and operations. Situated in the southern part of Navarra, the region's diverse microclimates and soil types make it ideal for viticulture. The Sanz family is dedicated to reviving and promoting native grape varieties such as Garnacha and Graciano, practicing sustainable viticulture with minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery.
