Castillo de Monseran Garnacha Cariñena 2008

[Low-N-Slow]

Grenache (Garnacha) usually produces wines of high alcohol content, which can sometimes be off-putting if the alcoholic "heat" overpowers the flavors of the wine. That same heat can also make an otherwise fruit-forward red unpleasant to drink during the hot months of the year. An exception is the Castillo de Monseran Garnacha which, due to cooler growing climate and shorter fermentation at lower temperatures, only weighs in at 12.5% ABV vs. the more typical 14%+. Coupled with very low tannins, the flavors of red berries and spice shine through unimpeded. Very enjoyable right out of the cellar at ~56-60°.

Of note: the label features the word "Cariñena" very prominently, possibly leading one to surmise it to be a Carignane. Closer inspection reveals the word Garnacha in smaller type, and that Cariñena denotes the wine's place of origin in the Aragon region of Spain.

$8 at Dorignac's.