It's made at an ancient monastery-turned-winery on the famous Camino de Santiago - the pilgrim's way. Dark, smoky berry with toasty oak.
Right in the shadow of neighbouring Rioja, Navarra is a much neglected region. But for those in the know, it "produces wines in many cases that are superior to its more famous neighbour" (The Times). This cracking Crianza is from the Irache monastery, founded centuries back by the King of Spain as a hospital to tend pilgrims on the dusty Camino de Santiago trail.
The monks today have gone and instead, behind the thick walls, is an impressive winery. There, pilgrims are still revived the ancient way with a scallop shell of wine from the famous fountain. They don't, however, get the good stuff - the Fuente de Irache Crianza. That is prized by the locals and has to be purchased! And, just for the first time, it's escaped the borders of Spain.
only 35 left
only 36 left
He travelled the world making wine before an assignment to Spain in 2003. He fell in love with the ancient Garnacha bush vines of Calatayud and now can't drag himself away. This is his 'King of Garnacha' red, from his old, gnarled vineyards (50-120 years old) at a lofty 1000m above sea level. There, the blazing daytime sunshine ripens the grapes, while cold nights draw out the aromas and ensures excellent structure to this long-lived wine. Most other growers have abandoned their vineyards here – it's too hard to make a living. But Norrel teases out the very best from his grapes to make this exceptional, oak-aged red. Dark, spiced, silky and aromatic it's an exciting discovery that shows off the unique and characterfilled wines Spain is famous for.