2010 Viñas Del Vero Secastilla Garnacha ($40)

The vineyards in the Secastilla valley are located in the north-eastern part of the Somontano region in Aragon Spain. The name Somontano means "under the mountains" which is appropriate since the region sits in the foothills of the central Pyrenees mountains. This region is located just 35 miles south of France.

The grapes are selected from old vines in the Guardia Miranda vineyard, de-stemmed before fermentation. It underwent malolactic conversion in French oak barrels and remained there for 10 months.

The vineyard’s elevation leads to the fruit ripening slowly, leading to it fresh features.

This Secastilla Garnacha exhibits nice cherry and black berry flavors, is wonderfully gentle mid-palate with distinct tannin and has a nice long finish.

The SRP is outside of the typical wines featured in Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week, but hunting around turned up some very nice prices on this wine. So, indeed, it fits as an affordable, attainable wine that’s well worth seeking out.

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Rebekah Polster of Donna White Communications

This wine is imported by Gonzalez Byass.