Vibrant, youthful, aromatic blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Grenache with the emphasis on juicy fruit flavours of red cherry and plum rather than oak. The wine carries its alcohol with ease, thanks to the fresh acidity here.
Price Range: £10-£20
2009 Martí Fabra, Vinyes Velles, Empordà, Empordà
( €10, 15% )Old vine Cariñena and Garnacha that expresses the essence of Empordà. Rich, concentrated an slightly rustic with high-toned notes of fig, volatile acidity and wild herbs. Needs food.
2009 Oliveda, Finca Furot, Emporda, Empordà
( €6, 13% )A pure Cariñena from slate soils located at altitude, this is showing some development in the glass. It’s a little rustic perhaps, but there’s some attractive oak sweetness here, bright acidity, firmish tannins and plenty of fruit.
2012 Julio de la Camera, Tarari, Empordà, Empordà
( €6, 14% )Inky, profoundly coloured, structured blend of Cariñena and Merlot, the latter benefiting from some oak. It’s a little raw at the moment, but there’s plenty of plum and blackberry fruit here. A name to keep an eye on.
2011 Jordi Oliver, Joc Negre, Emporda, Empordà
( €7.50, 14.5 )A Rhône meets Bordeaux blend, via Emporda of course, this is a four-way cuvée of Garnatxa, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Floral and nuanced, with subtle red fruits that nod towards Pinot Noir, despite the alcohol, backed up by minerality and balance. Drink it chilled.
2011 Espelt Viticultors, Old Vines Carignan, Empordà, Empordà
( €12, 14% )Modern, blackberry, bramble and liquorice-scented Carignan aimed at the export market with good texture, medium weight tannins, well-integrated oak and a firm, food friendly finish. Make sure you drink this with robust food.
2011 Celler d’en Guilla, Rec de Brau, Emporda, Empordà
( €8, 15% )A turbo-charged Samsó (Cariñena) and Garnatxa blend with deep colour and evident oak on the nose. Dense, wild and herby, with plenty of thyme and rosemary flaovurs, firmish, food friendly tannins and dark, brambly fruit.
Try this with a juicy steak or a leg of lamb.
2011 Espelt Viticultors,Terres Negres, Empordà, Empordà
( €11, 14% )Pure Cariñena from a winery that combines the best of traditional and modern philosophies, producing wines with integrity. A rich, lightly-oaked, stylish red that shows the grape variety at its best with plum and sweet, figgy fruit and good minearlity and freshness.
2011 Roig Parals, Tocat de L’Ala, Empordà, Empordà
( €9, 14.5% )Dense, concentrated, modern blend of Cariñena and Garnatxa that’s made to age. It’s a serious, yet stylish wine that tastes as good it looks, with sun-kissed black and red fruits, tangy acidity and a core of tarry tannins. Needs robust food.
2012 Coop Agricola Garriguella, Essència de Gerisena, Emporda, Empordà
( €7, 16.5% )Youthful, fortified Muscat showing a hint of spirit and floral, grapey fruit flavours. An easy-drinking, dessert style that would work well as an aperitif.
2012 Projecte Sis Garnatxa Gris, Emporda, Empordà
( €8, 12.5% )Made in homeopathic quantities by Ferran Centelles, the former sommelier at the world-famous El Bulli restaurant, this is an old vine white with tangy, refined flavours and bright acidity. Floral and perfumed, this is ideal with seafood.
2012 Clos de les Dòmines Reserva, Celler Cooperatiu Espolla, Emporda, Empordà
( €9, 13.5% )An oak-fermented blend of Ganatxa Blanca, Cariñena Blanca and Muscat from one of the region’s better co-ops. The oak is quite assertive here, with some marmalade-like notes from the Muscat and a bitter finish.