Etim 2001 Old Vines Grenache Unfiltered

[quijote]

This translucent, violet-magenta wine is delicious, smooth, and spicy. Strawberries, mulberries, and plums on the nose. Intense, spicy plums, cherry cola, and tarragon on the palate give way to a balanced finish of plums and fresh-ground pepper. Another reason to love Spain. 14% Alc. $12.

[This message has been edited by quijote (edited 05-10-2003).]

[Innkeeper]

Sounds great. Price?

[dananne]

I love this wine! It's one of my favorites, and probably is my favorite of the old vines grenache coming out of Spain recently.

IK: I've bought it here in Atlanta at anywhere from $11 to $14. It's worth the latter, but I prefer to pay the former [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[Drew]

Haven't seen it in this neck of the woods yet but was touted highly by the Parkermister.

Drew

[quijote]

This is one that I bought during a recent visit to Chicago; I'm not sure if it's in Milwaukee at all.

I'm really enjoying Garnacha/Grenache based wines, but I find it interesting that--according to info I've been reading--Grenache has been (and still is, to an extent) considered "low-class" by many wine aficionados. If it keeps the prices down, I guess that's fine by me. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[wondersofwine]

I seem to like the Grenache grape only when its the subordinate part of a blend. I've tried old vines grenache from France and Australia and a grenache rose'. Didn't care for any of them. But a Gigondas blend of syrah and grenache was pretty good. It left me wondering what percentage was syrah as opposed to grenache.

[Innkeeper]

To the best of my limited knowledge Gigondas is primarily grenache. You have to try a Spanish 100% grenache to see what can be done with it varietally.

[stevebody]

For a pure Grenache of a different stripe, try the Aussie, RBJ Vox Populi: grapey, light and spicy.

Different still: The Bonny Doon Clos de Gilroy. I think this is still 100% Grenache but I haven' been able to find my bottle to look. This is bigger, darker and more extracted. Seriously NICE stuff.

One of the classic Aussie wines of any description is the Yalumba Bush Vine Grenache, at about $13; a perennial critics' fave and one of the happiest, least overwrought Aussies around.

The French classic is the Domaine de la Janasse "Le Chaupin" single-vineyard Chateauneuf du Pape, all Grenache and really magnificent in its power and finesse, BUT very restrained when compared to the Spanish just across the Pyrenees.

I love the Etim but the most characterful, flavorful Spanish I've had is the semi-obscure Alma, sister wine to the wonderful Basa, from the tiny Compania Vinedos de Granaja (That's probably not exactly right), which is the most atypical Grenache I've ever tasted but a REAL steal at about $8.

For a twisted thrill or two, check out the Grenache Roses from McDowall (CA) and Syncline (WA), showing the remarkable red-berry character of the grape in the most fun way possible. GREAT picnic wine.

[tandkvd]

Had this wonderful juice with garlic, chicken ravioli last night, and with T-Bone steaks today. My barber had recomended this wine. I will definatly be back for more.

The more wines I try, the more I keep comming back to the Tempranillo and Grenache based wines of Spain and Australia.

My wallet likes these wines as well.

[quijote]

I hear you, Tandkvd, the quality and price of Spanish reds is superb. I know I should keep branching out in the Grenache and Tempranillo areas, and sooner or later I'll try some of the wines Steve has recommended, but when I was in the wine shop a couple of days ago that Etim was calling out to me, and I couldn't resist.... Great stuff.

[randery]

Had this tonight. Silky and full of flavor. Thanks for the recommendation. $12

[Drew]

Well I finally found one, $11, and it is indeed a very nice Grenache. Methinks this will, and needs, age to tame some medium grained tannins that hit the mid palate as well as some heat from the 14% Alcohol. Will be buying more.

Drew