Bodegas Ateca Honoro Vera Garnacha 2011

From the Calatayud region of Spain this red wine is a 100% Garnacha that is fruit forward, and easy drinking. The vineyards are at a high elevation, the soil gravelly and dry, and the vines are old and gnarly, making the grapes earn their living and producing a really interesting everyday wine with a great price tag of $8.45 (Bottle/case price $5.91... I had a 30% off coupon at Pop's Wines in Island Park, NY).

Aromas are a ripe and jammy red berry with caramel candy, while the palate shows definite balsamic overtones with hints of white pepper and cherry and a good finish.