The perfect summer red

Garnacha, or Grenache, is a varietal that needs to be on your spring tasting list. It’s a medium bodied red with great fruit and soft tannins whose greatest strength is its ability to pair with a wide range of foods. Pizza, stuffed shells, grilled seafood, flank steak, roast chicken, pork salsa verde and a variety of cheeses are all terrific mates for Garnacha. The grape’s long history began in Aragon where it’s still grown today, along with the rest of Spain, France and in the U.S. If you’re a dry rose’ fan, you’ve been drinking Grenache since it’s a common element in many rose’s.

This 2010 Tres Picos Garnacha from Bodega Borsao is one of the really nice ones out there right now. It’s got gorgeous deep red color, and a fruity and floral aroma. There’s great fruit, including blackberry and plum, but it doesn’t stop there. Look for wood and vanilla as well. The tannins are soft and the texture is silky. It’s a fun and versatile spring wine.