2019 Atteca Garnacha Old Vines Calatayud

Winemaker Notes:  Rich morello cherry and plum flavors are accented by mint, orange peel and sassafras notes in this expressive red, which has soft tannins, juicy acidity and smoky finish. Pairs well with rice, pasta, (noodles, spaghetti, macaroni), vegetables, mushrooms, stewed meat, sausage, pork, roast meat, red and/or white meat with sauces, grilled meat, and short or medium cheeses.

Bodegas Ateca is a joint project between the Gil winery family and the well-known importer, Jorge Ordonez. The bodegas is located in the Calatayud region of northeastern Spain. The majority of the vineyards are grown in highly permeable and healthy soils with a high amount of limestone. The soils are rocky, loose and low in nutrients. The climate in this region varies vastly from day to night, allowing for more balance between acidity and alcohol. The main varietal here is Garnacha grown from old-vines up to 80-100 years old.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Wines seem to be quite regular here, and the 2019 Atteca, a pure Garnacha from old vines bottled at 15% alcohol, feels quite similar to the 2018 I tasted next to it. It matured in French oak barrels for 10 months, and it takes some time to absorb the oak, which was still quite evident here with abundant spice and smoke and some tannins that need resolving and/or powerful food."