Monte Vicor Garnacha 2008

Winery: Monte Vicor

Varietal: Grenache

The purple skinned Grenache grapes have become, over the past few decades, one of the most widely planted grape varietals on earth, thanks to their unique characteristics and the fact that they are an ideal varietal for use in both single variety and blended wines. They tend to be very light in body, due to the fact that they have low tannin levels and not much acidity to them. However, they can add a boost of alcohol to any blended wine, and also offer their complex and spicy flavors of pepper and dark berries. Grenache grapes grow very well in dry and arid region, such as their native home of central Spain, and struggle with damp conditions in which they are prone to rot or develop mildew. Thankfully, modern techniques and technology has managed to overcome many of these problems, resulting in this varietal continuing to grow in use and popularity.

Region: Cataluna

Spain's stunning coastal region of Catalunya has long since impressed the world with its wide range of excellent wines, the result of a wine history which stretches back to pre-Roman time, and it has been a key stopping point on some of the most ancient wine trade routes on earth. It isn't difficult to understand why Catalunya has had so much influence over the ages – the rich and fertile soils, the heat tempered by Mediterranean breezes, the fine grape varietals which flourish there have all helped establish Catalunya as an important global wine producer. Today, Catalunya is perhaps most famous for its 'methode champenoise' sparkling Cava wines, however, the region's soils support a wide range of grape varietals, and as such, the two hundred or so bodegas in the region produce a large variety of superb wines and wine styles.

Country: Spain

From the deep and intense Rioja wines, or the dry and refreshing Ruedas, from Tempranillos to Verdejos, the range and quality of Spanish wines is always going to impress and fascinate. With several thousand years of traditions and expertise leading the way, Spanish wineries are currently producing some of the most flavorful and interesting wines to come out of Europe, striving to overcome the reputation problems the country suffered in the mid to late twentieth century. Despite being one of the largest producers of wine in the world, with billions of bottles being filled each year, Spanish wine producers are more interested in quality over quantity than ever before. The results of this are some truly world class wines rivaling even the finest produce of France in regards to balance, character and flavor, gaining new fans and enthusiasts every day.