Wines from Spain: spotlight on Navarra

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 15 April, 2016

Long recognised internationally for its rosés, Spain's Navarra region has undergone something of a winemaking revolution over the past two decades and the number of red wines now coming out of the area is increasing.

Nine out of the 11 wines at the Navarra masterclass at the 27^th Wines from Spain fair yesterday were reds, and the ten or so producers who spoke at the hour-long session were keen to showcase what the region has to offer.

And the faces presenting their wines at the tasting spoke volumes about the fresh blood pouring innovation into the region today.

Sisters Yoanna and Maria Abete, who have taken over the running of Bodegas Maximo Abete, presented at the session, along with general manager Beatriz Ochoa and winemaker Adriana Ochoa of Ochoa Reserva 2009, Bodegas Ochoa who are now at the helm of their winery.

Jordi Vidal Ragout, who compèred the masterclass, spoke about the region's evolution.

He said: "Navarra is of course known primarily for its rosé wines, but the last 20 years has seen more of a production of red wines. Navarra's best winemakers are forging head, combining tradition with technology to produce some of Spain's most innovative wines."

A topographically diverse region situated next to Rioja, Navarra's wineries have been experimenting with Grenache and Tempranillo grape varieties.

The wines at yesterday's tasting began with Alex Garnacha Rosado rosé, Alex Vinedos de Calidad, and white Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2013, Castillo Monjardin before moving onto the reds: El Chaparral de Vega Sinadoa 2014, Bodegas Nekeas; Guerinda La Abejera 2014, Bodegas Maximo Abete; Inurrieta Puro Vicio 2013, Bodega Inurrieta; PdV Edicion Limitada 2012, Bodegas Principe de Viana; Sardasol Crianza 2011, Vinedos y Bodegas Alconde; Marco Real Coleccion Privada 2011, Bodegas Marco Real; Ochoa Reserva 2009, Bodegas Ochoa; Vina Parot Reserva 2007, Bodegas Malon de Echaide; Altar 2007, Bodegas Otazu.

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