In the hills surrounding the Spanish capital of Madrid, there is a small but exciting movement in the wine industry taking place. Built chiefly around the Garnacha (Grenache) variety, one might think it would bear some resemblance to similar varietal iterations of the grape from Rioja, La Mancha, or Catalonia. One would be mostly wrong in thinking this. Madrid's versions of Garnacha are some of the freshest takes on a very popular, mainstream variety that I've come across. Rather than the dark fruited, savory approach so beloved in France or meaty, tannic examples from Montsant and Priorat, they are lifted, refreshing, bright, playful and positively teeming with pizzazz! Unfortunately, much of the category is not, shall we say, inexpensive. That's where Bernabeleva comes in: "Camina de Navaherreros" is their entry level wine made from younger plantings. Though their high end versions are truly transcendent offerings that practically redefine the variety itself, "Camino" practically renders them unnecessary with its easy appeal, pleasant red currant fruit and white pepper spice. Whether you're a devotee of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Italian reds, or even American Grenache, this is something to write home about! Food Pairing: Spanish Baked Salmon with Olives, Cheese Blintzes with Cherries, Turkey Dinner
