Geekiest Flight Anywhere with Garnacha on 4 soil types

Its back and twice as fun as before!! A few year's back we discovered Capcanes, a winery in Montsant which is 100 miles southwest of Barcelona, 20 miles inland from the Mediterranean sea, with a long wine growing history dating back to the middle ages. Despite this traditional foundation they do one of the most fun and intriguing garnacha bottlings we've ever seen. Imagine 4 vineyards where the ripe Grenache/Garnacha is picked at the same ripeness, all are fermented in controlled temperatures and macerated for 28 days. All see 4 months in French oak, in fact the only true difference is each vineyard is dominated by a different soil type.

Some of you may remember when we were lucky enough to have the Slate (Llicorella) and Limestone versions of these wines a few years ago. Well we cajoled and begged and pleaded and we just received not only the Slate and Limestone, but also the Clay and Sand versions!

 

The sand soil here is honeycombed from eroded beaches and arid desert, deep roots push through to find concntrations of lime. This is the most acidic soil in the area. The clay soil is found in the old lake basins, compact without oxygen where the plants desperately strive to find the filtered water. Clay is of medium or average acidity. The limestone soils are not very acidic featuring fragmented, calcified, ancient crustaceans. This soil is loose but so loose that water isn't held at all forcing the roots deeper and deeper underground. Lastly the famous Priorat Llicorella dominates the slate soil type and dominates the top layer in these vineyards. This rock is formed during ancient volcanic times in a high pressure environment, deep within the earth's crust, forming laminate like layers during its formation process. This is very acidic soil.

capcanes bush vined garnacha

 

So does all of this matter? Can you tell a difference? The bio-chemists like to say it's impossible, and us wine geeks are just making this up. They have not found the mechanism or process by which soil is represented in finished wine, so we must be full of it. You will have to decide for yourself, try a flight of all four wines side by side and savor this unique experience! We sure are!

Share

Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

Fun New Arrivals

  • Chateau Redortier Beaumes de Venise

    Chateau Redortier Beaumes de Venise

    Wine geeks know of Gigondas and Vacqueras that show off Grenache like no other. Bordering both is Beaumes de Venise which is known for fortified Muscat. On a steep hillside (at 1500 ft!) twin sisters Sabine and Isabelle make this earthy, spicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. A gorgeous wine.

  • Amon Ra

    Amon Ra

    The 2014 Amon Ra reflects the tried and true essence of the Glaetzer style - generosity of flavor with finesse of structure. The inky purple color displays the gentle but full extraction. The nose shows an abundance of dark blueberry, vanilla, black cherry and hints of cassis with notes of mixed spice and anise. Although still young and firmly wound, the vibrant blackberry and dried spice flavors integrate well with youthful yet supple tannins with the trademark loooong and sleek finish. Meant to go 10 to 15 years to hit its prime.

  • Broc Carignan

    Broc Carignan

    From 130+ yr old vines, and on original rootstock comes this remarkable Carignan. All native yeasts, no SO2 used during production means pure bright flavors of tart cherry, blueberry and unmistakeable juicy tang from carbonic maceration. Why spend $34 on wine.com?

  • Clos Mazurique

    Clos Mazurique

    Along the Loire river you'll find Saumur. Cab Franc dominates the red plantings and we can see a prime example with this bottle. Perfumed floral aromas, dark cherry, forest floor and mineral. Gorgeous mouthfeel and smooth tannic structure. Bright acidity making this wine an easy drinker.