Good Morning Gentle Readers,
I went into this deal expecting disappointment from the Torres Garnacha. But for five bucks American I figured it was worth a shot. You'll find it for under ten dollars I'm sure and it's well worth the investment. As TWC mentioned, Miguel Torres is capable of making good wine and this is one of them.
Garnacha is simply Spanish for Grenache (pronounced: Grehnahsh) which sometimes ends up as a paler, lighter, Rosé-like cousin to this ruby red medium bodied wine. The Malena is mellow with a bright acidic (carbonic) backside that almost feels like a sparkling wine, which is altogether pleasant and interesting at the same time. There is just a hint of the typical peppery aromas and flavors I've come to expect from Spanish wine. Missing from the equation is much of the aroma (nose) that we winos enjoy but that's not hard to get past.
The vineyards are in Catalonia, near the French border and likely explains the ease with which the Grenache grape has migrated over the years.
Wine Enthusiast gives this wine a well-earned 89.
Purple in color, with a sweet, fragrant bouquet featuring mostly plum and strawberry but also a touch of rusticity. Bold and full of cherry-cola flavors, while the feel is downright plush and proper. A very nice (and new to the market) wine from Torres; and there's no knocking its value qualifications.
Sweet? No, that's not what they really mean. It's not sweet nor is the bouquet that is largely not in evidence.
As my buddy NoStar would say, this wine is eminently quaffable. You might even want to save it for warmer spring or summer nights. Serve it for casual night with cheeses, barbacoa, or pasta. Or enjoy it in the hot tub with an outdoor fire and someone special.
As Ever,
TWC
