THE GUNS OF NAVARRA.

After making quite a splash a decade ago, Navarra reds seem to have disappeared from our shelves. That’s a pity, for although overshadowed by Rioja, its illustrious neighbour in northern Spain, the red wines of Navarra are one of Spain’s hidden secrets.

The vineyards are located around the attractive city of Pamplona and lie on the slopes of the Pyrenees as they descend towards the river Ebro; these picturesque, high altitude mountainous sites injecting an attractive zip of acidity to balance the fruit in these black fruit beauties.

Pamplona may be better known for its annual festival when crazy death-wish youths run with rampaging bulls through the narrow streets, but this busy attractive city is Navarra’s vinous heart. The city and Navarra’s vineyards are also well known to the pilgrims who trail the famous ‘Santiago de Compostela’ walk across the breadth of northern Spain.

The pilgrims know that the red varieties have a bumper (95%) share of the vines to produce the region’s reds and roses; comprising the typical Spanish red varieties of Tempranillo (37%) and Garnacha (26%) with the Bordeaux duo of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot chipping in with their classic blackcurrant tones. By the way, Garnacha is the same grape as Grenache, beloved by the fans of France’s Southern Rhone.

The Navarrans are very proud of their gnarled ‘old Garnacha vines’ some of which are over 60 years old. Old vines may not yield as much as lively young vines but the good news is that as they concentrate their goodness into fewer grapes which, in turn, means that the wine is more layered and concentrated.  So, it’s worth looking out for ‘old vines’ on the label and paying the extra quid.

About a quarter of Navarra’s production is Garnacha-based rose so you’ll find a bottle very easily but the reds are far more elusive these days. But don’t give up. I found Vina Zorzal Garnacha 2023 at The Wine Society for a very happy £9.25.

Perfect for your Sunday lunch.