Las Rocas, Catalayud DO (Aragon, Spain) 2012

I must say that Gallo is working smart these days when it comes to their foreign interests.  This label is representing their Spanish portfolio with a flourish, with a great rosé earlier this year, and now this wine — a blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Syrah that brings dry raspberry, cherry, black pepper, orange zest and tobacco in both aroma and flavor, with moderate grip and a long peppery finish that will pair with a wide selection of spicy red meat preparations.  Nice price, wide availability, food friendliness — we’ve got another winner.