Zinio Garnacha

Garnacha is from Rioja Alta is one of three sub-zones of Rioja DOCa (and where the winery is located). It covers the westernmost portion of the appellation. As the name suggests, the area is at high altitudes producing grapes with ripe flavors and fresh acidity. Garnacha is the second most planted red varietal after Tempranillo. It is grown all over Spain but mostly in the northeast, Aragon, Navarra, Rioja, Priorat and Catalunya. It is also grown in France (where it’s known as Grenache), California and Australia. It does very well in windy, low rainfall areas (it’s pretty drought resistant) and shaped in low bush vines. Because of the heat the alcohol levels tend to be on the higher side, with low-medium tannins and acidity (depending on where it’s grown) and full of exhibits rich, spicy, berry flavors, particularly raspberry.

Bodegas Patrocinio Zinio Garnacha was founded in 1985, located in Rioja DOCa. It consists of 200 local winemakers who came together with the aim of maximizing quality and jointly marketing their wines under the same brand. Their moto is “quality wines start in the vineyard.” The unique character of its wines comes from the 22 different types of soils which enables them to produce wines in many different styles yet are always representative of Rioja style.

This charming Garnacha lively fresh red fruit - strawberry, cherry, raspberry and cranberry, floral roses, earth. Palate is dry, cherry, strawberry, raspberry and cranberry, earthy, violet, pepper, blood orange, medium all around - acid, tannins, body, intensity and finish are medium as well.

Bodegas Zinio Garnacha 2016 is an easy going and a people pleaser, ideal for gambas a la plancha, jamon Iberico and manchego, grilled swordfish, spicy lamb meatballs in a tomato and cilantro sauce, moussaka or lasagna.