This month we are suggesting a delicious, Spanish wine made from popular French grape varieties.
Saying French varieties is a bit misleading. True, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the dominant grape varieties in Bordeaux wines, but they are also the most widely planted wine grapes on the planet.
Familiarity with Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot wines contributes to their success, even from unfamiliar wine regions, they are safe bets. Yet, the flavour profile of both, and especially of the Cabernet Sauvignon, vary so much. On the one hand we have the old world’s austere, full-bodied, high-tannins, high-acidity wines that require years of aging before they mellow, while on the other hand there is the lively, fruity to ‘jammy’ flavours of the new world’s hotter climates.
The Denominación de Origen Somontano, in the province of Huesca, Aragón, spreads out from the foothills of the Pyrenees down to the Ebro valley. The region enjoys continental climate, in contrast to Bordeaux‘s wetter yet milder maritime climate. Somontano is sheltered by the Pyrenees from the cold northern winds, but winter freezes are common, as well as very hot summers. Day and night temperatures fluctuate significantly. The region enjoys an average rainfall of 500 mm per annum, about half the rainfall in Bordeaux. This climate results in ripe fruit with average tannins, but without the overripe ‘jamminess’ of some part of Australia.
The winery Enate prides itself as a winery, a wine library and an art gallery/museum, for the art collection they kept since the 1990s. Certainly the artist side of the winery is reflected in its innovative and creative labels, designed by known artists, that adorn their wine bottles.
Enate Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot is made from equal proportions of the two grapes, planted at 600m above sea level. The grapes are fermented separately in stainless-steel tanks, then blended and kept in a mix of French and American, oak barrels for six months.
A clean and bright wine with copious thin tears. Intense cherry red colour with garnet edges. Complex nose of blackcurrant and blackberry with elegant violet notes, and hints of white pepper vanilla. In the mount is satin smooth, pleasant and easy-drinking. Intense fruity palate with long finish. Well balanced medium light acid- ity.
The wine could be misleadingly described as a Bordeaux copy. The Bruja thinks not! It has its own character. Try with cold meats, and medium cheese.
Available en Alcampo, Carrefour and specialist shops in Almuñécar, such as Olivares from €5.70 to €6.80.
89-91 Bruja Points
(News/Feature: Wine Review)