94% Garnacha and 6% Tempranillo from Carinena, Aragon, Spain.
SRP of $16 and widely available for $12. Imported by Purple Wine Co. Sample submitted for review.
From the winery:
"ALTO CINCO translates from Spanish as “high five,” with “high” referring to the height (Alto) of our vineyards and “five” to our growing area surrounding the quaint village of Paniza. Located within one of the region’s four appellations, or DO’s with some of the world’s best old vine Garnacha vineyards, some believe Paniza is worthy of its own DO (#5).
Our Garnacha is bursting with ripe raspberry and black cherry flavors framed by hints of mocha and vanilla. Old vines of up to 100 years from the highest elevations in the renowned Cariñena district in northern Spain impart richness and complexity to the wine. While the locals pair it with roasted meats, simmered tomato dishes and grilled bread, our wine's ripe fruit flavors also make it ideal for enjoying with appetizers or simply on its own. ¿Por qué Alto Cinco?
14% Alcohol"
We love Spanish Garnacha here at The Reverse Wine Snob. With an abundance of old vines in the country and not a lot of name recognition for the variety, prices remain low which makes the wines an incredible value. Some of our favorites come from the Calatayud in Aragon. For example:
- Cruz de Piedra Garnacha Tinto 2012 - Costco Plus The Calatayud Equals A Killer Combination.
- Punto y Coma Garnacha 2009 - The Calatayud Strikes Again!
- Altovinum Evodia Old Vines Garnacha 2011 - Money
Today's wine is from another area in Aragon, just northeast of the Calatayud in northern Spain. The region is called Carinena and it's one we haven't delved into much. Much like the Calatayud the soil is very rocky, so much so that the wines are known locally as el vino de las piedras, or 'wine of the rocks'. (Info via wine-searcher.) We'll be highlighting more wines from this region in the coming weeks.
The 2012 Alto Cinco Garnacha begins with very pleasant aromas of black cherry, blackberry, baking spice (cloves and cinnamon) and violets. The wine tastes ripe and juicy with strawberry, blackberry and red currant flavors. The texture is smooth with soft tannins and the finish is dry and long with a touch of green olive and coffee under the juicy fruit and sweet baking spice notes. It gets better the longer it is open so be sure to give it some time to breathe. Yummy - a high five for this wine indeed!
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 7.8
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