Azul y Garanza Garciano 2022

Garciano is an organic red from Azul y Garanza in D.O. Navarra, in northern Spain. The blend pairs Garnacha Tinta with Graciano, a late-ripening local variety that brings deep colour, firm acidity and a savoury, herbal character that balances Garnacha's generous red fruit. Navarra's continental climate, with hot days and cool nights, gives a wide diurnal range that preserves acidity and aromatic freshness while the grapes reach full ripeness, and the stony, varied soils suit both varieties. Organic farming keeps the vineyard balanced and the fruit clean. The wine spent six months in oak barrels, enough to soften the tannin and add a light spice frame while keeping the fruit in front. The colour is medium to deep red. The nose shows red berries, plum, black pepper and dried herbs over a stony, earthy base. The palate is medium to full bodied, with fresh acidity from the Graciano, ripe but defined tannin and a savoury, liquorice-edged finish. Serve at 16 to 17C, decanting younger bottles briefly. Good with grilled lamb, beef or a tomato-based stew.