From: Peralta, Navarra, Spain
Varietal: Garnacha Tinto
Tasting Notes: Navarra Garnacha opens with rich, perfumed aromas that form a symphony of red fruit and spice. Wild cherry, raspberry, and cranberry intermingle with delicate spice notes, freshly crushed herbs, and subtle florals. This Garnacha is a harmonious blend of fruit and finesse on the palate. A silky, smooth texture and bright, refreshing acidity support its medium body. Flavors of ripe red berries, juicy plum, and red currant are complemented by savory nuances, creating an easy-drinking red with dark cherry fruit, a hint of dusty earth, and a touch of tannin. Crafted in a minimal intervention style, it balances simplicity and taste without being overly wild.
Pairing: Roast lamb, especially when seasoned with rosemary and garlic, perfectly complements the wine. Paella, whether a classic seafood version or one with mixed meats, especially chorizo, matches beautifully with the robust flavors and aromatic spices in Navarra Garnacha. Tapas, such as patatas bravas, grilled padrón peppers, and albondigas (meatballs), offer diverse flavors that pair excellently with the wine’s versatility. Seasonal grilled vegetables, including eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, enhance the wine’s earthy and herbal undertones. Ratatouille, the French Provençal stewed vegetable dish rich in tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant, pairs well with the wine’s earthy and herbal flavors, as does Pisto Manchego, a Spanish vegetable stew made with tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and onions, which aligns nicely with the wine's fruity and slightly spicy notes. These classic and traditional pairings highlight Navarra Garnacha’s ability to enhance various flavors, from savory meats and rich vegetables to robust spices.
While this recipe will work well with the egg, we recommend trying Martha’s recommended alternative version without the egg and adding Spanish-style Chorizo and peppers.
Pisto Manchego with Eggs
By Martha Rose Shulman
About. The brothers Andrés and Ramón Serrano Arriezu are a remarkable duo, continuing their family's rich tradition in viticulture with a contemporary twist. With wisdom inherited from their parents and grandparents and winemaking expertise gained over recent decades, the family’s wines are deeply rooted in tradition and innovation. Andrés has always believed that great wine starts in the vineyard. From the outset of their venture, he has committed to biodynamic agriculture, ensuring that all their production in the Rioja and Navarra regions meets the stringent standards of Demeter certification.
Meanwhile, Ramón, collaborating with winemakers from various countries, focuses on the winemaking process, ensuring that the quality of the grapes is always respected. This partnership results in wines that consistently reflect their vineyards' unique terroir and climate. Their dedication has been recognized by clients, friends, and the specialized press, acknowledging their commitment to quality and excellence.
In their family-run winery, tradition meets with modern technology. Founded by Andrés and Ramón Serrano, Navarrsotillo embodies a deep respect for their terroir, a commitment to quality, and a passion for health. They utilize organic and biodynamic techniques on farms inherited from their parents, eschewing synthetic chemicals to maintain the health of their soil, a critical factor in producing high-quality wines. Their production is meticulously supervised and certified by the CPAER, CPAEN, and the Demeter International Certification Office in Spain.