Tapena Garnacha 2013

This wine is as flamboyant as a red polka-dot dress. Garnet colored, it's lush and sultry. Bright aromas and flavors of fresh blackberries and cherries fill the glass. The finish is velvety with whispers of pepper and exotic Spanish spice. Tapena Garnacha dances best with pork tenderloins, grilled rib-eye, or roast chicken. Buen Provecho!

100% Garnacha. Bottled by Unio Cellers del Noya (UCSA), a division of Freixenet, in Spain. Freixenet is a renowned producer and distributor of wines from wineries in Spain, Chile, Italy, France, and Argentina, and is known worldwide for its cava and sparkling wines. Tapena (tah-PAY-nyah) is the ideal complement for an evening of food and conversation among close friends. In Spain, going for tapas (TAH-paz) is the American equivalent of barhopping with an epicurean twist. At every taberna, tapas (small plates) are served communal style, each person is armed with a glass of wine and a fork. Pena (PAY-nyah) is slang for a group of close friends. Put the two together with Tapena, and everyone is speaking the same language! Travel across the heartland of Spain and you're bound to find yourself in a cozy bodega just off the plaza. The townsfolk are noisy, friendly, and welcoming. The tapas are fresh and local, as are the wines—probably served fresh from the barrels behind the bar. Garnacha (gar-NA-chah) originated in Spain centuries ago and now mostly travels the world as grenache. The soul of Tapena Garnacha can be found in cafes that line the sun-washed plazas of Barcelona. Warmed by the afternoon sun, they're aglow with tapas, life, and laughter. Perhaps it's because everyone has a glass and a fork!