After selling through the 2023s in record time, we're thrilled to have received the new 2024 vintage of our top-selling Garnacha range made by Xabi Sanz from his stunning dry-farmed, organic bush vines in Navarra. By way of backstory, Xabi is something of a saviour for quality winemaking in Navarra, having spent the last fifteen years nursing back to health a patchwork of old abandoned plots and inspiring many others to do so in the process.
Navarra's winemaking heritage is long and distinguished, with vines first established here by the Romans in the 1st century AD. However it was in the Middle Ages that Navarra's reputation truly blossomed, with pilgrims passing through on the Camino de Santiago spreading word of the high quality Garnacha wines they encountered.
Fast-forward to the 1970s however, and the craze for international varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon led to a decimation of these historic indigenous plantings, with Garnacha - 90% of all vines in Navarra at the start of the 1970s - reduced to just 25% today. Perversely, the remaining Garnacha vineyards have further suffered from a move towards bulk rosé production in recent times, this despite the totemic rise of Rioja as a beacon of high-quality winemaking right next door.
To recover Navarra's rich winemaking heritage then is no small task, but Xabi is driven by a belief that the growing conditions here are as good as any, and with the treasure trove of old vines he has recovered - many over 160 years old - great wines of depth and character are possible.
We are delighted to continue our relationship with Xabi for a 5th vintage, and are especially pleased to be able to keep the prices unchanged despite the difficult 2024 growing season which saw yields in Navarra reduced by as much as 20%.
The resulting wines are pure and elegant with greater acidity than usual for the typically hot and dry Navarra region, with the Tinto and Rosado possessing a vibrant wild strawberry streak and the Blanca tending towards green apples and quince.
To get the new vintage off to the start it deserves we're also offering a set of all 3 for £50, which includes free delivery to anywhere on the UK mainland.
Gnarly Vines x Reverte Garnacha Tinto (£17.50): Lifted and fragrant with silky strawberrry and raspberry liquorice aromas, some darker fruit underneath and hints of lavender and black pepper spice.
Gnarly Vines x Reverte Garnacha Rosado (£17.50): A fresh and fragrant rosé bursting with wild strawberry, cranberry and violet aromas. Crisp and mouth-watering on the palate with more red fruits and a touch of sea spray salinity.
Gnarly Vines x Reverte Garnacha Blanca (£18.50): This is the gorgeous Garnacha Blanca, steely and mineral with crisp green apple notes opening up to reveal apricot, peach and toast on the lightly creamy palate.