Wine Review: 2007 La Verdosa Méntrida Arrayán Premium Castilla-La Mancha Spain Red Blend

This Spanish wine will take you by surprise. On first pour, the deep color might lead you to Garnacha, but the flavors do not match up to the traditional ripe red fruit flavors. Could it be a Tempranillo? Nah, the color is too dark and it has no red fruit or strawberry flavor to it. I could not put my finger on it (I tasted it blind) then it hit me—it had to be a blend of good ol’ international grape varieties.

The blend, consisting of 55% Syrah, 20% Merlot, and a bit of Cabernet and Petit Verdot was quite interesting and it is nice to see a different style emerging from Spain. I love the traditional Garnacha and Tempranillo but it is is refreshing to see something unique and I think the international varieties do well here as I have touted in the past. In particular, I believe Bordeaux blends show well for the Navarra region. And for marketing purposes, it would probably have a better chance to compete with Big brother Rioja.

As for this wine, try it to experience something different from Spain. Lots of dark fruit, wicked dark chocolate (think 85% cacao) with a good dose of eucalyptus and luden’s cherry cough drops (and I mean this in a good way). This was brooding and tannic, so it will need a little time in the cellar, probably a few years. If you can’t wait, decant this puppy an hour before consuming.

Rating: Very Good (88) | $36 | 14.0% ABV