Evodia Garnacha

Evodia is an exciting project in the Denominacion de Origen Calatayud,
hailed as one of Spains most progressive and promising wine growing
regions. Calatayud is distinguished by its prevalence of high elevation
vineyards planted to the Garnacha variety in fact, the highest in the entire
country. The vineyards surrounding the small town of Atea reach upwards
of 3000 feet the highest within the DO.
It is here, in the vineyards of Atea, that Altovinum sources their Garnacha
grapes for EVODIA. In addition to the remarkable climate due to elevation,
the property is comprised of pure schiste soils, known as pisara in the local
area. Aficionados familiar with the wines of the Priorat and the Roussillon
are well acquainted to this soil type and its extraordinary influence on the
wines.
These vineyards were ferreted out by the amazingly talented team behind
Altovinum - Eric Solomon, Jean Marc Lafage and Yolanda Diaz. Yolanda
Diaz, a native of Calatayud, has an intimate knowledge of the DO and its
terroir her relationships in the region are an invaluable asset to the project.
The winemaking is placed in the capable hands of dynamic enologist, Jean
Marc Lafage a man Robert Parker called irrepressible. Jean Marc
consults on projects worldwide and owns one of the Roussillons visionary
wineries, Domaine Lafage. And finally, Eric Solomon, who through his
import company, European Cellars, represents the finest Grenache
producers in the world.
Tasting Notes
This 100% 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, fruitfilled
finish. Pairs well with white and red meats roasted or grilled, big
game, meat casseroles and stews, complex sauces, foie gras and legumes or
blue and cured cheeses.
Accolades
2011 Vintage 89 points, The Wine Advocate
2010 Vintage 90 points, The Wine Advocate
2010 Vintage 88 points, Wine Enthusiast, #52 TOP 100 BEST BUY
2009 Vintage 90 points, International Wine Cellar

Region Description

Originally from Spain, this grape comes in both red-wine and white-wine varieties and is often associated with France’s southern Rhone Valley. The Grenache grape does well in hot, dry regions, and its strong stalk makes it well suited for windy conditions. It ripens with very high sugar levels and can produce wines with high alcohol content. Grenache wines are sweet, fruity, and very low in tannins. They are usually lacking in color, except in growing areas where yields are low. In Spain Grenache is widely planted in Navarra as well as in many of the hotter areas of the country. In southern France Grenache is widely cultivated in the areas around Languedoc- RoussillonRousellon, Provence, and the southern Rhone. It is also extensively grown in Algeria, Australia, Corsica, Israel, Morocco, Sardinia and California's central valley. Red Grenache wines are usually blended with other varieties: trempranillo in Spain and cinsaut and carignan in France. It’s the primary grape in chateauneuf-du-pape as well as in several rose wines.