What's not to love about Garnacha!

So, I'm on a Spanish kick right now and one of my favorite wines, at the moment, is this yummy little number from a region called Calatayud in Northern Spain. It's called Breca, from old vines (60 - 80 years old) and it's 100% Grenache, or Garnacha, as they call it, and it is delightful! It's full-bodied, got ripe, dark blackberry, raspberry fruit and it's relatively cheap! It's between $15 and $20 and it overdelivers for that price.

Grenache is one of the most planted red grapes in the world, You'll find it in the Rhone Valley, often blended with Syrah and Mourvedre and many other grapes to make Chateauneuf-du-Pape. You'll find it in Provence and further South in France as well, in the Languedoc-Roussillon. And also in Australia, most often used in blends.

Stylistically, it can be all over the map. The grape, naturally, is on the lighter side but, when blended, produces a richer style of wine. If you're looking for a mouth-filling and spicy alternative to Argentinian Malbec or your favorite Napa Cabernet, check it out. Pair it with hearty sauces like a tomatoey Puttanesca with your favorite pasta or a nice, peppery wine reduction served over duck breast!

Dee-lish!