From: Calatayud, Spain
Varietal: Garnacha
Critical Acclaim. RP 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The very young and juicy 2020 Evodia comes from a year with more rain than average and moderately warm temperatures that resulted in an early harvest of a generous crop that delivered wines of lower alcohol (14.5%) and more freshness. It fermented with some 20% full clusters and had a very soft vinification and extraction with no pump-overs. This is always very aromatic (it's what the name means), and in 2020 it's even paler and more ethereal then the 2019 that was already impressive and quite a change from previous vintages and other wines from the cooperative. Only 20% of the volume matured in oak and the wine is not oaky at all and has contained ripeness and very light extraction. This is bright and elegant, fresh and very pleasant to drink. Incredible for the price.
Taste: The nose is rich and perfumed, with a symphony of red fruit and spice aromas. Wild cherry, raspberry, and cranberry intermingle with notes of delicate spice box, fresh crushed herbs, and a touch of wet stone minerality. As the wine opens up, subtle floral undertones of violet and rose petals emerge, enhancing its overall complexity. On the palate, the Evodia Garnacha is a harmonious expression of fruit and finesse. Its medium body is supported by a silky, smooth texture and bright, refreshing acidity. Flavors of ripe red berries, juicy plum, and red currant are complemented by savory nuances of white pepper, licorice, and a hint of thyme. The well-integrated tannins provide structure without overpowering the wine, allowing its fruit-forward character to shine through. The finish is long, pure, and fruit-filled, with lingering notes of tart cherry and a subtle earthiness that leaves a lasting impression.
Pairing: The freshness and versatility of the 2020 Evodia Garnacha make it an excellent partner for various dishes. Its bright red fruit flavors and refreshing acidity complement both white and red meats, whether roasted or grilled. Hearty stews, casseroles, and dishes with complex sauces also pair well with this wine, as do foie gras and legumes. For a truly authentic experience, consider pairing the 2020 Evodia Garnacha with regional Spanish dishes. Its bright fruit flavors and savory nuances make it an excellent match for tapas like patatas bravas, albondigas (meatballs in tomato sauce), or chorizo in red wine. The wine's acidity and medium body also make it a suitable partner for traditional Spanish rice dishes like paella, particularly those featuring chicken, rabbit, or a mix of vegetables. The Evodia Garnacha's fruit-forward character and refreshing acidity make it an attractive option for vegetarian pairings. Consider dishes featuring robust flavors and a mix of textures, such as a hearty vegetable and bean stew, eggplant Parmesan, or a mushroom risotto. Grilled vegetable skewers with a balsamic glaze would also be a delightful pairing, allowing the wine's fruit and acidity to shine through. For a cheese-centric option, try pairing the 2020 Evodia Garnacha with a rich, baked Camembert or a flavorful goat cheese and spinach tart.
Chorizo With Sweet Pepper And Onion Stew And Fried Croutons
By Melissa Clark
About. The 2020 Evodia Garnacha is a wine that captures the essence of Calatayud, a region in northern Spain known for its high-quality Garnacha wines. With a focus on innovation and terroir expression, Calatayud has become a prominent wine-producing region, and the Evodia Garnacha is a testament to the region's dedication to perfecting its wines. In this article, we delve into the unique characteristics of the 2020 Evodia Garnacha, its production process, and the influence of its terroir on its flavor profile.
A Fruitful and Fresh Vintage
The 2020 vintage of Evodia Garnacha offers a lovely perfume of spice box, mineral, and wild cherry. This perfectly balanced mix of flavors lends itself to an intensely fruity wine with loads of taste, a smooth texture, and a pure, fruit-filled finish. The wine has received critical acclaim, with a 91-point rating from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, which describes it as bright, elegant, fresh, and very pleasant to drink.
This vintage comes from a year with more rain than average and moderately warm temperatures, resulting in an early harvest and a generous crop. The wines produced in 2020 have lower alcohol content (14.5%) and more freshness, making them incredibly enjoyable to drink.
Terroir: A Key Factor in Evodia's Success
The success of the 2020 Evodia Garnacha can be attributed to its unique terroir, the high elevation village of Atea. At 1000 meters above sea level, Atea is the highest elevation village in the Calatayud DO. The soil composition in Atea, consisting of black schist, mirrors that of the renowned Priorat region and Jean-Marc Lafage's estate in Maury, Saint-Roch. This unique terroir, combined with old vines of Garnacha rooted in it, forms the foundation of the Evodia Garnacha.
A Collaborative Effort: Altovinum
The Evodia Garnacha is produced by Altovinum, a joint partnership between Eric Solomon, Jean-Marc Lafage, and Yolanda Diaz. Solomon, an early pioneer and proponent of Spanish Garnacha, Lafage, a talented winemaker from the Roussillon region in France, and Diaz, a native of Calatayud with an intimate knowledge of the region's terroir, have come together to create this outstanding wine.
Winemaking Process
The winemaking process for the 2020 Evodia Garnacha is gentle and focuses on preserving the wine's natural aromas and flavors. The grapes are hand-harvested and partially destemmed but not crushed. The wine undergoes a 20-day fermentation in concrete vats, followed by a 7-day post-fermentation maceration. Only 20% of the wine is aged in oak, ensuring the wine is not overly oaky and maintains its contained ripeness and light extraction.
