Corral de los Altos · 2024

4.3/5

6 reviews

We're already familiar with a fair few Garnachas, it's true. Even so, it's always a pleasure to discover new wines made from such a diverse and tasty variety, unearthing pastures new. Especially when they are so reliably made, like Corral de los Altos. The Viña Zorzal project is one of those that's always welcome: quality wines at affordable prices, a modern image and the industrious work of reviving indigenous varieties and old vineyards which combine tradition and modernity and preserve the natural environment. In this instance in Navarra, a great Garnacha-growing region, and in the ideal location: the northern parcel at Corral de los Altos, vineyards aged over 40 years old, planted on stony soils, lying between the Sierra de Carneros and the River Ebro basin, where a strong north wind blows. The grapes ripen slowly here, maintaining their natural freshness and absorbing the aromas of the plants growing round about, flora which the Sanz brothers make efforts to reclaim and protect. This wine starts life here: a refined, feminine Garnacha which melts on the tongue; a fruit-forward Garnacha, centring on plums and red fruit, with a delicate perfume of woodland flowers and the occasional lactic note, plus very subtle hints of roast meat and bakery. On the palate it's vibrant, sinewy, with that same fruit-driven character discerned on the nose, slightly earthy, with highly polished tannins, extremely pleasant and luscious. A very well-made, reliable Navarra Garnacha. Another fantastic wine from Viña Zorzal. Carry on the good work!

Look

Picota cherry red, Clean, Bright

Nose

Clean, Fruit aromas, Red fruit, Plums, Spicy notes

Palate

Fresh, Medium-bodied, Red fruit, Smooth tannins, Long finish, Persistent

Pairs with

Pork, Oven-cooked chicken, Meat rice dishes, Grilled beef, Ox fillet, Rabbit lamb with fine herbs

Drink

Serve at 16ºC

£16.50

About the vineyard[+]

Navarre: Crossroads of Cultures and Winemaking Navarre's winemaking heritage is as old as the very mountains that adorn its landscape. Located in the north of Spain, Navarre has historically been a land of encounters between different cultures, and this is reflected in the rich diversity of its wines. If you are looking to experience the magic of Navarrese wine, you are in the right place. During the Roman Empire vine cultivation was widespread throughout this region, but it was especially during the Middle Ages, as Navarre became a powerful kingdom in its own right, that its wines became more famous. Pilgrims, passing through the area on their Way to Santiago, tasted the wine and, recording comments in their diaries, described it as "excellent". Rosés of Legend If there is one thing that has established Navarre on the world wine map, it is its rosés. These wines, with their vibrant hues and fresh character, are the perfect expression of Navarrese wine. Native and Foreign Grapes Navarre has traditionally been known as Spain's great rosé wine producer, but nowadays the situation has changed with a gradual tendency to move over to the production of quality red wines. Although historically the Garnacha has been the most popular variety, over recent years, particularly in its southern zone the Tempranillo grape has been planted and now exceeds the surface area of Garnacha. Other grapes chosen for planting that are giving highly satisfactory results are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. A Terroir of Contrasts From the Atlantic influence of the north to the more arid climate of the south, Navarra offers a range of microclimates that result in wines of unparalleled complexity. From north to south, Navarre could be described as resembling a small country: the Pyrenees form a border with France to the north, while in the central part, the slightly undulating ground supports cereal fields, market garden produce and vineyards, and to the south, there is a vast semi-arid area through which the River Ebro flows. This means that the DO is divided into 5 sub-regions lying to the south of Pamplona, although they generally share a continental climate (with an Atlantic influence in the northern sub-zones) and brownish-grey limestone soils that are poor in organic matter. These are the sub-regions: Valdizarbe, Tierra Estella, Baja Montaña, Ribera Alta and Ribera Baja. Our Navarrese Wine Curation We work side by side with family-owned wineries, cooperatives and cutting-edge producers in Navarra to bring you a selection that embodies the essence and diversity of this very special region. Each bottle is a direct passport to the vineyards of Navarre.

£16.50