This estate is producing some of the very best values of any producer in Spain, and should be up on the radar screen of every wine lover — regardless of whether they are making purchases more on the basis of cost or quality. I usually see this entry-level red alongside a Crianza bottling costing just $14, one that isn’t necessarily better, but rather tuned to a different customer looking for less primary fruit than this wine shows, and maybe a food pairing that calls for a little more structure. I note that only by way of background, as this wine is again completely charming in the 2020 vintage, showing very exuberant fruit notes recalling ultra-fresh red raspberries as well as both red and black cherries. Although this is wonderful sipping wine, it would pair beautifully with many lightly spicy or grilled foods, or more substantial dishes like a pork chop or most preparations of salmon.
Viña Jaraba, La Jaraba DOP (La Mancha, Spain) 2020
By Michael Franz