New to the LCBO, this full-bodied, smooth Spanish red delivers unbeatable value for the money! Garnacha Tintorera is interesting because it is one of the few grapes with red-coloured flesh or pulp. Most red grapes, like Cabernet and Shiraz, have white pulp and are made into red wine by fermenting the skins and juice together to extract colour and flavour.

Tasting Note: Rich in colour, aroma and flavour, this value-driven Old Vines Garnacha Tintorera is well worth hunting down. Cassis, strawberry, raspberry and sage aromas spill out of the glass and are joined by hints of spice and oak on the nose. The palate is juicy, firm and full-bodied with perfectly balanced flavour intensity, polished smooth tannins and a lively cherry-like acidity.

Enjoy With:  Grilled red meat, charcuterie, game paté or flavourful pizza.

Style:  Full-bodied and smooth red wine.

Terroir / Region: Almansa lies to the east of the important Castilla-La Mancha growing region in south-eastern Spain. Vines are planted at a high altitude in poor calcareous soil and receive plenty of sunshine during the day and cool temperatures at night. Garnacha Tintorera is indigenous to the region and one of only a few grape varieties that has red-coloured flesh.

Producer: Bodegas Piqueras is a family-owned and operated winery that is located in the Spanish appellation of Almansa. Founded in 1915, the estate recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. In 2010, brothers Pablo and Javier Piqueras, the fourth generation of the family, began working at the winery. While not stated on the label, all of the estate’s grapes are organically farmed.

Availability:  Piqueras Black Label Old Vines Garnacha 2014 is available all year round in the Spanish section at the LCBO.