Spain - Navarra

Bodegas Ochoa, OLITE

Javier and Marivi Ochoa make some of Navarra's very best red wines, working very closely with the region's experimental winery, ENVENA, continually trying out new grape varieties and viticultural methods. Based in Olite, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Navarra, Ochoa makes some exceptional single-variety reds which, despite their bold, direct and fruit-driven flavours, have a touch of elegant class which makes them even more appealing. This is very much a small, hands-on, family operation with all their grapes coming from thirteen family-owned and controlled vineyards situated near their Olite bodega. We have long been attached to the two excellent Crianza varietals, Tempranillo and Merlot , both modern-style Navarra wines but with exemplary purity of fruit and a sensible 12 months in oak. The Ochoa Reserva is a more traditional-style wine and is none the worse for that as it has a sublime plums and vanilla flavour with a touch of game on the nose. You must try the new Graciano/ Garnacha Joven - something of an experiment but sensational in its depth, weight and richness and is certainly no light-weight.

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