Volver Garnacha Tintorera Quinta del '67 2022

The grape Garnacha Tintorera is also known by several other names including Alicante Bouschet in France and Baga in Portugal. I prefer the name Garnacha Tintorera because it recognizes the deep color of the flesh of this grape, which is very rare. Understand that almost all red grapes have juice that is clear when they are pressed. All of the color of for most wines comes from the skins and is extracted by a process called maceration which is the first step of winemaking. It is not unlike soaking a tea bag in hot water. However, if you squeeze a Garnacha Tintorera grape the color of the juice is magenta. I have a friend who grows it in Tuscany and claims it stains everything in the winery!

Decant this one and you quickly see how this grape earns its name as the color is pitch black! After a half hour of breathing the bouquet oozes from the glass with notes of blackberry and black currant puree, dried black figs, soy sauce and graphite. This is not a wine to sit on the back porch and drink watching the birds, it needs food! The dark notes of fruit carry through the palate with obvious but integrated tannins that are perfect with coffee rubbed steaks, braised short ribs or pasta with sausage and tomato sauce.