Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/859549
76 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 { spain } DISCOVERING THE MAGIC OF GARNACHA FROM CARINEÑA by Rachel Macalisang / photos by Cal Bingham MANY THINK THAT the Grenache grape variety originated in France, but its origins actually lie in Spain, where you will often find it spelled Garnacha or Garnaxta. Garnacha is the most widely planted grape variety in the world, and the second most planted in Spain (behind Tempranillo). It is also found in the South of France, on the Italian island of Sardinia and in the New World in Australia and California, but its birthplace is in the lesser-known Spanish region Carineña. DOP Carineña, created in 1932, is the second oldest Denominación de Origen Protegida in Spain, located in the heart of the Ebro Valley in Aragón, between Rioja and Priorat. A few special factors give this region distinction and a true sense of place: the climate, the altitude, the old vines and the soil. The Somm Journal's Senior Editor, Karen Moneymaker, leads the discussion about Cariñena at A.O.C. restaurant in Los Angeles. Old-Vine REMARKABLE VALUES Hoang Nguyen of Connie & Ted's listens attentively. Kayla Selsi from Terroni.