Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/859549
78 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2017 Bodegas Paniza is a cooperative named after the village of Paniza, a town of 800 people, nearly half of whom are growers who have meticulously cared for their 6,200 acres of vineyards for more than six decades, under strict quality control. Bodegas Paniza 2015 Garnacha Rosé (SRP $10) 100% Garnacha "This wine is from second-generation old vines, with refreshing and crisp notes of watermelon, tart cherries and mouth-puckering pomegranate. It's light, fresh and easy-drinking. Perfect summer wine!" —Eduardo Bolaños, Terroni Bodegas Paniza 2012 Viñas Viejas (SRP $12.99) 100% Garnacha "Aging beautifully, with deep, stony minerality and elegance of 100-year-old vines. Nine months of new French oak provide a nice frame of spices, coconut and toast. Alpine, cedar, earth, pepper—great label." — Kayla Selsi, Terroni Grandes Vinos y Viñedos was created from five co-ops that joined forces in 1997 to focus on indigenous grapes. It now sources from 10,000 acres of vineyards from each of the 14 growing areas in Carineña, and the result has been a depth and breadth of high-quality wines offering superb value. Grandes Vinos y Viñedos 2014 Corona de Aragón Old Vine Garnacha (SRP $10) 100% Garnacha "From vines at least 45 years old; aged for four months in second-use French barrels. "The wine has beautiful magenta color with stunning elegance & depth with notes of figs, dates & deep cherries. There is also rhubarb, blueberry, Madagascar vanilla. Herbal and menthol notes give way to a touch of Earl Grey tea. Some tannins. This is a great Burger wine!" —Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, Preux & Proper Grandes Vinos y Viñedos 2012 Monasterio de las Viñas Reserva (SRP $14.99) 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 10% Carinena "From vines 40–45 years old. This wine is rustic, with lovely purple and red fruit. Amazing balance and integration. Remarkably restrained winemaking and surpris - ingly low alcohol, with rich honey blossom on the nose." —Hoang Nguyen, Connie & Ted's Bodegas San Valero balances both innovation and tradition and is the oldest winery in Carineña, established in 1944. It sources from 700 growers with 8,600 acres surrounding the winery. Bodegas San Valero 2016 Sierra de Viento Garnacha (SRP $8.99) 100% Garnacha "This wine is bright and playful. It is fuchsia in color, with Bing cherries and wild raspberries. Young, fun wine! Very versatile and a great value." —Marc Chaiet, Epic Wines & Spirits Bodegas San Valero 2016 Particular Garnacha (SRP $9.99) 100% Garnacha "This wine has great elegance from old vines [with an average age of 15–30 years], but is also very approachable, with bright red fruit, raspberries and cherries. Herbs, spice, black pepper, macerated blueberries, concentrated fruit." —Rosemary Walker, The Ponte { spain }