Azul y Garanza, Abril, Navarra, Spain

Navarra is the region directly east of Rioja in Northern Spain. It is drier and tends to have higher diurnal temperature range than it's more famous neighbour so while often the grape varieties grown are similar, the wines produced are quite different and there is much less use of oak.

Azul y Garanza's vineyards are located in the influence area of the Bardenas Reales desert, the biggest desert in Europe. The very poor and arid clay- calcareous soil, the dry weather and the big contrast of temperature between the day and the night provide the grapes with high concentration and a perfect balance. 

As well as wine, Navarra produces fantastic vegetables and salad crops so try drinking this with some simply grilled veg or some lamb.

This is 95% Tempranillo and 5% Merlot, macerated for 15 days with 10 days fermentation before ageing in concrete. Punchy but still fresh it has pure fruit flavours of rich cherries and cigar box spice.

Producer - Azul y Garanza
Country - Spain
Region - Navarra 

Appellation - Carcastillo
Variety / Blend - Tempranillo, Merlot
Wine Style - Red Wine   
Farming - Organic 
Vegan