2016 Coto de Hayas “Fagus” Selection Especial Garnacha

Since at least 1492, the makings for heady, delicious wine have been present in present in Campo de Borja, a little-known province just north of Rioja, in Spain. Think Chateauneuf-du-Pape, with a different name.  The vines are Garnacha, with a warm continental climate moderated by the cool cierzo wind, a limestone-rich soil with a gentle slope down to the Ebro River, and—most importantly— old vines. Thus, even though region is unknown, this wine from Campo de Borja offers a sensational Spanish value.

Fagus opens with a knock-out combination of Garnacha’s cherry fruit, lush blackberry character and kirsch richness coupled with rich vanilla bean, cloves, cinnamon and oak spices. This wine is an up-front, fun-drinking ride..  On the palate, think Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s bold Grenache-based flavors coming together with the Spanish countryside. The wine is generous, sumptuous and rich, with a velvety curtain of tannins to carry it through. It’s perfect for full-flavored meals like prime rib and works great as a cocktail, too. Or, as a gift – six bottles come in their own handsome wooden crate (picture above). Drinking great now, like a smash-hit Chateauneuf-du-Pape it will age for at least another decade in your cellar.

Campo de Borja may not be the most famous wine in the world … yet.  Everything delicious about wine is right here in the bottle. Discover it for yourself.  Salud!