A varietal Samsó (Cariñena) from one the region’s most
ambitious producers, this is a modern style Emporda red with lashings of sweet
oak. The freshness and spiciness of the Samsó give the wine lift and balance,
with dark, black fruits to the fore. A wine that needs some time in the bottle
to show at its best.
Similar Wines: £20-£30, 86-90, Spain, Red, Carignan
Attractive, oak-tinged blend of Grenache, Cariñena and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a modern, aromatic, still-youthful blend with refreshing acidity, harmonious tannins, appealing sweetness and a long, tapering finish. Very complex.
Similar Wines: £30-£50, 91-95, Spain, Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan
Combining Tempranillo, Garnatxa and Merlot, this is a
grassy, strawberry-scented red with refreshing acidity. It’s a little developed
perhaps, but at €4 who’s complaining?
Similar Wines: £5-£10, 81-85, Spain, Rose, Grenache, Merlot, Tempranillo
Aromatic, grassy Bordeaux style blend with some Grenache and
Syrah for added complexity. The tannins are a little firm here, but the fruit
is still fresh and sweet, with cassis and blueberry to the fore.
Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Spain, Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz
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.
Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Spain, Red, Carignan
The top wine from this outstanding bodega, this is a cuvée of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cariñena and very impressive it is, too. Sweet, vanilla oak, red fruits, subtle spice, with white pepper and a savoury flourish.
Similar Wines: £30-£50, 91-95, Spain, Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache, Syrah/Shiraz
Pale, Provence-style rosé in a stylish package, this brings
the Côte d’Azur to the Costa Brava. A tangy, food friendly rosé with subtle,
rosehip and raspberry fruit and good, underlying acidity. Very drinkable.
Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Spain, Rose
Unusually for Empordà (uniquely?) this is a varietal,
organically-farmed Tempranillo with minimal sulphur. It’s the cheapest red from
the bodega: vibrant and juicy, with plum and raspberry fruit and good
concentration.
Similar Wines: £20-£30, 86-90, Spain, Red, Tempranillo
A blend of Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Samsó, this has a strange, pine resin-like nose reminiscent of Retsina. The
palate is a little earthy, with some baked, drying tannins and fading fruit.
Similar Wines: £20-£30, 0-80, Spain, Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache
A single-vineyard Garnatxa made in a ripe, slightly raisiny style with firm tannins and marked alcohol. Well made, but I can’t see this improving in the bottle. A little dry, with too much oak for the weight of fruit.
Similar Wines: £30-£50, 86-90, Spain, Red, Grenache
A pale-coloured rosado with marked acidity, slightly lacking
in concentration with a touch of oxidation and a bitter finish. Needs more
weight and fruit.
Similar Wines: £10-£20, 81-85, Spain, Rose
Youthful, modern, fruit-dominated Garnatxa (or Garnacha, if
you prefer) with a lick of oak. Juicy, raspberry and bramble fruit and well
made with succulent tannins and a hint of reduction.
Similar Wines: £10-£20, 86-90, Spain, Red, Grenache