Best Navarrese Alcoholic Beverage Types
Rioja was the first Spanish appellation that received protected status. This renowned Spanish region is located in the north of the country, on both sides of the river Ebro. It is best known for its red varietals and blends, and while Tempranillo is the dominant grape, blending varieties include Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo, and Maturana varieties.
Some amount of rosés and whites are also produced. The region is vast, and it is divided into three subregions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Oriental. Aging guidelines categorize it under the generic label with no aging requirements (also known as Joven), Crianza (aged for two years), Reserva (at least three years of age), and Gran Reserva (five years of age and a minimum of two years in a barrel).
VARIATIONS OF Rioja
Originally called Rioja Baja, this is the warmest and the easternmost part of Rioja. It is also the largest and the most productive of all sub-zones. In the past, the region was often unfairly overshadowed by Alta and Alavesa appellations, due to its low elevation and warm climate.
Garnacha is the most planted variety, but in the 1980s, there was a tendency to replace it with the more popular Tempranillo. Traditionally, the wines coming from this region had a higher alcohol content, flavors of juicy fruit, and less acidity than Alta and Alavesa wines.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Pacharán is a sloe-flavored liqueur that is mostly associated with Navarre, but it is also enjoyed in other Spanish regions. The drink is made by macerating sloes (blackthorn) in an anise-flavored spirit. Sometimes, bay leaves, roasted coffee beans, herbs, or spices can be added to the mix.
The sloes are macerated for several months until the liqueur attains a distinctive mahogany hue. The resulting drink is sweet, pleasant, and potent—alcohol content typically falls between 25-30% ABV. Pacharán has a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages.
Graciano is a red grape variety native to Spain. It is mainly cultivated in Navarra and Rioja wine regions, and it produces aromatic wine with good acidity and tannins. Graciano is known under various synonyms, and it is found in other Mediterranean countries, suggesting that it is an old European variety.
For a long time, the grape was mistakenly thought to be identical to Parraleta. Graciano-based wines are usually intensely colored, aromatic, and high in acidity. They are fresh and sometimes have a spicy character with a fruity aroma reminiscent of mulberry and blackberry, often with hints of violet, vanilla, and mint.
Best Navarrese Alcoholic Beverage Producers
AWARDS
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2021
BEST Cervezas La Vasconia Beers (Styles and Brands)
Best Navarrese Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS
Barcelona Beer Challenge - Gold
2021
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