Jean Smullen reviews 2018 Fabrizio Vella Bianco Organico, Sicily, Italy and 2018 Vina Zorzal Garnacha, Navarra, Spain m
Today on Movies & Booze we’re going to look at a white wine from Italy and a red wine from Spain both of which are available in Independent Off Licences.
2018 Fabrizio Vella Bianco Organico, Sicily, Italy RRP: €14.95
STOCKISTS: Independent off licences
Italy and Spain have a very good track record when it comes to producing organic wine. 90% of organic grapes globally come from European wine regions, Italy leads with way with organic wines accounting for 15.9% of all wines produced there; Spain comes in second place with organic wines accounting for a total of 11.6% of their total production.
This organic white is made from an relatively unknown Italian white grape variety called Catarratto. Catarratto is native to Sicily, where it is used mainly as a blend. This wine has been made with minimal intervention, which means it hasn’t been filtered, so it is a little cloudy in the glass. However, the lack of filtration lets the charachter of the variety with its juicy texture and crisp lemon flavours shine through. Ideal as an aperitif or perfect with fish, seafood and light salad dishes Certified organic and vegan friendly.
2018 Vina Zorzal Garnacha, Navarra, Spain RRP €14.95
STOCKISTS: Independent off licences
The region of Cantabria is the largest producer of organic wine in Spain with 35% of production, this is followed by Navarra at 20.9% and the region of Castille y Leon with 19.7%.
Navarra was awarded its own DO in 1958. Navarra is one province but within it there are two DO’s. The DO Navarra and the DOCa Rioja, the latter in six districts to the south in the Baja region. Navarra has been working very hard to drag itself out of the shadow of its famous neighbor. The key to their success lies in the fact that many of the producers are now organic farmers and as demand grows for organic wines, I would expect much more visibility for the region’s wines in the coming years, especially now as 40% of wines exported from the DO Navarra region are organic wines.
Three brothers took over from their father and set about to rescue native grape varieties from Navarra that have almost been forgotten, producing single varietal wines that speak for themselves and are affordable for everyone.
The wines are fermented in stainless-steel tanks and this Garnacha (Grenache) remains completely unoaked. Full of flavour. Vibrant, soft and juicy. Fleshy and full with red fruits and a touch of spice. A joy to drink ! Organic methods followed, though the wine is not technically certified.
Wine Diary: https://jeansmullen.com/
