D.O. Navarra sits in the northeastern region of Spain, close to the border with France and the Pyrenees mountain range. The vineyards are planted in the southern part of the region between Pamplona and the plains. They sit on the lower slopes toward the river Ebro. The region was traditionally known for its rosé wines made from Garnacha, but now produce red and white wines.

The D.O. is divided into five sub-regions, each producing distinct wine. These include Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Ribera Alta, Baja Montaña and Ribera Baja. The most important of these is Ribera Baja in terms of area and number of wineries. About 30% of the vineyards are located here. It has dry, sandy soil and sits on the right bank of the river Ebro.

Navarra features a continental climate with long, hot, dry summers and cold winters. The northern and central zones have dry continental climates with Atlantic influences. While the southern zone is influenced mainly by the river. The region receives an average amount of rainfall for Spain, but the higher altitudes risk an occasional frost or violent storm. The soils are predominately brown limestone with some clay.

Traditionally, 95% of all vines planted in Navarra were red to produce red wines and rosé. Garnacha and Tempranillo made up over 65% of the red grapes planted. Others included Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Graciano and Mazuelo. However, more and more white grapes are being planted, thus decreasing the percentage of red grapes. White grapes include Viura (Macabeo), Chardonnay and Garnacha Blanca. Most vines are trained along trellises rather than planting en vaso, or low to the ground as a bush. This technique makes harvest and maintenance on the vines easier and allows for the maximum exposure to sunlight.

We tasted two wine from Navarra. These two wines have an interesting story. The father produces the Baron de Magaña and the son makes the Magaña Calchetas. Jonathan and I had sampled the Baron de Magaña before and were not fond of it. So I was interested to see if my palate had changed and if I would enjoy the son’s wine. Tasting notes follow:

Baron de Magaña 2004
-40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Tempranillo
-18 months in oak – 70% new and 30% old
-Bright cherry, red color
-Aromas of must, toast, smoke and lots of oak
-Biting on the palate – very dry furry feeling in the mouth – harsh tannins
-Made in a very traditional style

Magaña Calchetas 2006
-Merlot based wine with Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Malbec
-20 months in oak – unfiltered – hand destemmed
-Very purply color
-Bold and young- needs to age for a while
-Deep on the palate – very complex
-Potential to be really good in a few years.

I must say I enjoyed the son’s Magaña Calchetas more, and I hope to find a bottle of this.

 

Winery: Bodegas Viñedos de Aldeanueva

1-888-Ole-Vino (Ext. 156)

Wine: Cortijo III Tinto 2007

Location: Rioja, Spain

Purchased: The Corkscrew

Price: $9.99

 

I love finding an unexpected good wine at a great price. We picked this up at a Saturday afternoon wine tasting on the discount shelf. We’ve been tasting several Spanish wines lately because of our trip. This one was a hidden jewel. It’s simple and easy, making for everyday drinking or relaxing in the evening. The back label on this wine supplied a toll free number for interested drinkers to call and listen to a message about the wine. The short three minute message shared basic information about the wine and winemaker. I thought it was a creative way to provide information about their wine to consumers.

 

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