March 2017 Imported Wine: 2015 Ramon Roqueta ‘Garnacha’ Catalunya, Spain
fine Wine Source Wine Club
March 2017
Bodegas Ramon Roqueta: The first documents certifying the wine activity of the Roqueta family are from 1199. In 1898 the Roqueta Family set up shop in the northeastern Bages Region of Spain in the town of Manresa, just northwest of Barcelona; however, today the winery and the vineyards are located further to the west in Fonollosa. The estate has 54 hectares of vines and their wines are produced under the ‘Denominació d’Origen’ Catalunya. Today, Bodegas Ramón Roqueta is a great example of a company renovating and adapting to the new times while maintaining the tradition and expertise garnered over the centuries. Their range of wines is split between whites, a rose, a few mono-varietals, and a couple of red blends with Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.
About: The 2015 Garnacha has great pedigree as well as great taste steeped. It has won awards at several of Europe’s most prestigious competitions; taking a Gold Medal at Concours Mondial Bruxelles 2016, Gold Medal at 2016 Berlin Wine Trophy, Gold Medal at Mundus Vini-The Grand International Wine Awards, and Gold Medal at 2016 Portugal Wine Trophy. The Garnacha is fermented in stainless steel tanks ranging from1,000 Liters to 36,000 Liters and “treated with the utmost respect.” The wine is then aged in the barrel room until bottling, the final phase of the ageing process.
Varietals: 100% Estate Grown Garnacha
Alcohol: %14
Tasting Notes: Cherry red color with aromas of red berries over a bed of florals, pleasantly fresh in the mouth with balanced acidity and red berry fruit.
Food Pairings: Garnacha wines of Spain are quite unique in the fact that they easily take on the characteristics of the terroir. The aromas will range from sweet, fresh, and fruity to intensely mineral. The debate has been ongoing for the origin of Garnacha, with some saying Spain and others saying the Italian island of Sardinia; however, it is the primary varietal for this region. Pair this wine with BBQ salmon (cedar plank) or pork, lamb, or grilled red meats…think savory!
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: Great minerality with layers of complexity and loaded with deep dark fruits. Best served with lamb or beef, think fatty meats…Cheers!!!