Tapena Sweet Red 2011

Tapena Sweet Red takes inspiration from these young, flavorful country wines: dark, but sun-ripened, sweet, fresh, and spicy with blackberry and cocoa flavors and a velvety, smooth finish. Serve Tapena Sweet Red with aged cheeses (manchego, blue), tangy barbecued ribs, or Spanish paella! Salud!

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.