Home / Garnacha / Grenache / Borsao 2011 Grenache
23 January, 2013

Borsao 2011 Grenache

Comments : 2 Posted in : Garnacha / Grenache, Red Wine on by : The Gourmez

Borsao 2011 Grenache
Borja, Spain

 

Borsao
Grenache wines are hit or miss with me. I adore Spanish wines, but Tempranillo has a special place in my heart. Grenache can sometimes be too dry for my palate and not as lively as its Spanish cousin. But when it hits, it’s a memorably layered wine.

This is not that time. The nose is smoky with juicy blueberry notes. I’m not a fan of blueberry, though I am learning to like it in small doses. But a wine that starts off with it in the nose turns me off right away. The bigger problem, however, is revealed upon drinking. The wine feels flat, like it hasn’t taken that step into our 3-D world quite yet. It is very dry and very high on the leather and smoke scales. I’m puckering when I sip it, and I don’t want too. The fruit on the tongue is less blueberry and more starfruit and raspberries that have not ripened. It’s also chalky.

For now, this is a wine to bypass. Aging has the potential to mellow all those sharp and dry qualities, but it is nowhere near drinkable as is.

rating_mushroom1

Other bloggers’ thoughts:

There aren’t any, though I stumbled across a few reviews of the 2009 vintage. Mainly, I learned that the same winery has a higher end version of this wine called Tres Picos that has picked up a lot of acclaim and awards. Needless to say, I don’t think the value version holds up. I am curious what I’d think about that Tres Picos, however.

Reviewed 12 Dec 12.

2s COMMENTS

2 thoughts on : Borsao 2011 Grenache

  • Jo
    January 23, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    I find Spanish wines hit and miss generally.

    With this variety (grenache), there are some interesting rhone region single cepage grenaches that benefit from hailing that little bit further north I think?

    But yes, a difficult grape to harness without being way too smoky and why it’s probably better known in blends…

  • January 26, 2013 at 1:58 am

    I think “hit or miss” could describe all cultivars! I do tend to love tempranillo, but the other Spanish grapes are not always as solid for me. I should look for the Rhone grenache offerings. French wines are VERY hit and miss for me, but I always love a recommendation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,