Navarra is in the northern Spain, and is one of the country’s 17 first-level administrative regions (comunidades autónomas) and a reasonably prolific wine region. By default it is traditionally associated with the production of fruit driven rosé , crisp, Navarra is beginning to attract attention for its high quality red wines i.e. made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Merlot grape varieties after years of being overshadowed by its southern neighbor, Rioja.
In this article will discuss more about Navarra red wine benefits. The first records of winemaking in this beautiful region date back to ancient Roman times, but grapes were almost certainly thriving here long before that. Vines of the prehistoric Vitis sylvestris species are the only predecessor of the cherished Vitis vinifera and have recently discovered that are still growing in Navarra.
After the Romans, grape growing was continued under the Moors, and was then greatly expanded under the Christian rule. Demand for wine was then strengthened by Catholics making the pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago to the shrine in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, where tradition has it that the remains of the Apostle St. James are buried.
You should need to know that the 14th Century was a boom time for Navarra and the number of vineyards were multiplied to the extent that restrictions had to be imposed to ensure enough land was dedicated to cereals to feed most of the local population. This specific was demand received an additional boost in the late 19th Century when France was hit by phylloxera. This rise in sales was almost short lived there, because of the reason that Navarra was subsequently fell prey to the blight, which left the few vineyards intact there. Vignerons then replanted using phylloxera-resistant rootstocks, and subsequently were able to reorganize production zones.
Navarra’s geography is quite diverse and a number of different factors affect the climate and region’s vines. Its proximity to the Bay of Biscay in Atlantic Ocean that is in the northwest, the Pyrenees in the northeast and the Ebro River all together to moderate temperatures created with the effects of the Mediterranean climate.
In addition to Garnacha and Tempranillo and, highly regarded examples of varietal reds based on Merlot , Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are also produced. Navarra’s small quantity of white wine is mainly based on Viura, Chardonnay, and Garnacha Blanca. Natural sweet wines are also allowed to be made from Moscatel.
Navarra Wine Region Grape Varieties
Navarra wine region has gained attention forits high-quality red wines produced from Merlot, Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, Garnacha is also famous for producing exceptional best sparkling Rosé wines. As for white grapes, the small number of white wines produced in Navarra are based on Sauvignon Blanc , Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanca, and Viura. You will also find top sweet wines produced from Moscatel as well.
What is Navarra Wine Taste Like?
Like during Traditionally time, Navarra has been associated with fruit-driven, crispy, and dry rosé wines, that are a good accompaniment to the earthy local cuisine. Today, Navarra is both respectful and innovative of tradition. Its evolution and unique place in the world that translates into a stunning multiplicity of styles by offering to the consumer that include rich aromatic whites, crisp and mineral-driven,. Other treasures from Navarra includes earthy, red berry-laced Rosados, aromatic reds, structured spicy reds, and lively golden-hued good dessert wine.
Recently, Tempranillo based red wines, produced in a small section of Navarra wine region, and have gained more recognition. Tempranillo wines from Navarra display cherry red colour, minerality, and aromas of strawberries and cherries. In addition to Garnacha and Tempranillo wine, highly regarded wines of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are produced.
Navarra’s small quantity of white wines are mostly based on Viura, Chardonnay and Garnacha Blanca. Moreover they also produce natural sweet wine from Moscatel. Investment in the modern winemaking equipment and the introduction of non native grape varieties have always given rise to a greater number of new wine styles from the region. A group of brave and innovative winemakers have initiated so much to raise the profile of Navarra.
