Señorio de Irati Garnacha 2018

The Manzanos family—led by young brothers Victor and David (that’s David, below, with winemaker Borja Ripa)—have been a Spanish wine institution since 1890 and are still serious movers and shakers. Some of our highest-rated Riojas come direct from their cellars, but they also make tremendous wines in the neighboring region of Navarra. If you’re not tasting them, you’re missing out. But hopefully that’ll change today…

The Garnacha grape is a Spanish specialty, particularly in this rugged land of Hemingway and bull running. Victor and David went to an old plot of vines growing in the Baja Montaña—Navarra’s coolest district, thanks to its proximity to the mighty Pyrenees. The grapes made such luscious “juice,” the brothers decided to leave the wine unoaked, allowing all those mountain-fresh, bramble and herb flavors to rush forth on the palate. Mmmmm, and we’re so glad they did. Incidentally, so is Wine Enthusiast, who rated it 90 points:

“Spicy berry aromas come with welcome side notes of desert brush, while this feels juicy and bright throughout. Spiced black cherry aromas are pure and fruity, with a bold and tasty finish providing back up.”

Guaranteed to impress, especially if you serve it alongside roasted red meats or garlicky vegetarian stews. (No bull.)