Las Rocas Garnacha 2016 – Tasted Online

Synopsis, Our Opinion: A “Not Bad” Genache that was a
FANTASTIC value.

Producer/Winery: Bodegas San Alejandro; Miedes, Spain.

Grape Variety: Garnacha (Grenache).

Geographic Appellation,, Region, Country: Calatay, Spain.

Vintage: 2016

Price: $6.99 (with a 30% mixed 6-pack discount)

Purchased From: Ralph’s Grocery Store; Agoura Hills, California.

Paired With: Pork loin, butternut squash and peas.

Tasting:

Note: This year while in California we are reviewing a substantial number of wines sold in grocery stores. This review is one of them. To see all of our grocery store wine reviews look under the keyword “Grocery Store Wines”.

Opened one hour before drinking. Just barely clear, inky black/purple color with a lighter purple rim. Very faint earthy aroma with a persistent mineral in the background. Bold and rustic mouthfeel, solid medium body and a 80-grit texture. Intense ripe blackberry, plum, licorice and peppery spice flavors. Lots of edgy acidity, almost nonexistent soft, fine-grain tannins and a medium length slightly bitter finish. This was not quite what we would call “off-dry”, but we both commented that it appeared to become drier with each pour. We bought this off the grocery store shelf because it was Spanish (we find inexpensive Spanish wines are frequently a fantastic value for their price) and at only $6.99 we just couldn’t resist it. We both commented it was not “fine” wine, however it paired well with the varied flavors of the dinner. It’s a Spanish red that was way, way better than the $6.99 cost. We called it a “Not Bad” Genache that was a FANTASTIC value.