2003 Lelia, Garnacha, Carinena

[Innkeeper]

2003 Bodegas Sucesores De Manuel Piquer S.L., Lelia, Garnacha, Carinena ($6.99 Chambers Street). In this case Carinena is the region and not the second grape. Alcohol level 12.5%; yeah right! Ordered this as a ’01 and it arrived as a ’03. Gives ruby red color to the eye, rather that the medium purple that we are used to in a Garnacha. Traditional raspberry and pepper hit you on the nose and upfront. The first thing you notice on the palate is acid, lots of it. Therefore the finish is abrupt. There is plenty of fruit and tannin still there, so there is a possibility of improvement with a little more time. Will hang onto bottle #2 for a while therefore.

Matched it with leftover meatballs with fresh pasta, and salad in vinaigrette. Not the best match even if the wine was ready. Needed something much bigger and preferably Italian. Shouldn’t complain since it is Lent.