• The following 2018 Bodegas Atalaya ‘Laya’ Garnacha Tintorera / Monastrell was sourced from select vineyards of monastrell—aka mourvèdre—and garnacha tintorera vines planted in calcareous soil—soil high in limestone—700 to 1000 m above sea level. Garnacha tintorera—aka Alicante Bouschet—is a rare teinturier grape variety setting it aside from other Vitis vinifera varieties. Most wine grapes are Vitis vinifera with both red and white grapes having white pulp. However, Garnacha tintorera has a dark skin and also has a dark pulp.
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Bodegas Atalaya ‘Laya’ Garnacha Tintorera / Monastrell 2018
DOP Almansa, Spain $17.95 (132605) 14.0% alcohol
Lifted aromas spill from the opaque purple-black liquid in the glass with black currant, peppery piquant spice and hints of cassis to the fore. It captures the palate with a tsunami wave of fruit flavour—black juicy bramble berry, black cherry and hints of blueberry—interwoven with Ribena © and hints of kirsch liqueur. This is full bodied and fully textured with deft balance of soft tannin, tangy acidity and ripe fruit. Pour alongside hearty food—osso buco or cassoulet or a premium cut of medium-rare grilled steak. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Kacaba Vineyards ‘Sustainable - Unoaked’ Chardonnay was fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks thereby allowing and encouraging the true character of the chardonnay grape aromas and palate flavours to be showcased in the wine without the influence of even a splinter of oak.
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Kacaba Vineyards ‘Sustainable - Unoaked’ Chardonnay 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (326975) 12.8% alcohol
Light-yellowed hued in the glass; alluring aromas of honeydew melon, soft Meyer lemon and peach yoghurt abound. It bathes the palate with a surge of crisp refreshing Granny Smith apple, ripe juicy mango and smooth, mellow lemon pie filling. This is light-medium bodied with good mouthfeel and purity of fruit from twist top to last drop. The finish lingers, balanced, bountiful and beautiful. Pour on its own or with all manner of seafood or roast chicken or pork. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2019 Kacaba Vineyards ‘Sustainable’ Cabernet is a blend of 51% cabernet sauvignon and 49% cabernet franc. It was fermented in open-top fermenter bins for 11 days with maximum temperature reaching 32 °C then pressed off the skins and racked to French and American oak where it matured for 10 months then cold stabilised and bottled September 2020.
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Kacaba Vineyards ‘Sustainable’ Cabernet 2019
VQA Niagara Peninsula $15.95 (499384) 13.5% alcohol
Aromas of grilled savory herbs, red and black berry fruit and mixed spice precede a medium-bodied, soft tannin and tang-laced river of passionfruit, Montmorency cherry with hints of espresso roast. These tangy flavours persist from the palate through the finish and aftertaste. Pour this with pasta puttanesca or prawn and chorizo paella. (Vic Harradine)