Spain — wine

Cariñena DO

Aragonese plateau south of Zaragoza at 400–800m; the eponymous home of the Carignan/Cariñena grape. Extreme continental climate; Cierzo wind from the north and intense summer heat. Garnacha and Cariñena (the indigenous varieties) thrive on limestone-clay and slate soils. Old vine Garnacha producing dense, concentrated reds with surprisingly good value for quality achieved.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Intense Cierzo wind and summer heat; old-vine Garnacha on limestone-slate concentrated and Mediterranean; Anayón outstanding
2021 Good plateau conditions; Garnacha achieved typical concentration; Anayón showing excellent violet and raspberry depth
2020 Outstanding vintage; Cariñena old-vine Garnacha received high international recognition; Anayón at its finest
2019 Classic Aragonese profile; Garnacha's raspberry and herb at their most pronounced; excellent value vintage
2018 Warm conditions; Garnacha concentrated naturally; typical Mediterranean character well-expressed at good prices
2017 Good vintage; Cierzo wind provided disease-resistance; old-vine Garnacha showing depth and typical mineral structure
2016 Superb Cariñena vintage; Anayón from this year among the finest Aragonese Garnacha wines produced; quality milestone