Bovale (Issac Fernandez), Utiel-Requena (Valencia, Spain) Bobal 2016

 I was fortunate to travel to Utiel-Requena in March of this year to learn about Bobal, the most extensively planted of all red varieties in Spain (believe it or not!).  I was very impressed by the better examples of the breed, but returned to the USA to find a lamentable shortage of good specimens at prices that could tempt those who don’t know Bobal and are (understandably) reluctant to drop serious cash on a wine from a grape variety they haven’t experienced.  This is the wine to fit that bill.  It shows good “gutsiness” and density, thanks to the high-elevation, old vines from which it was sourced, but without being heavy or tiring to drink, thanks to having been picked before getting too ripe (and then being vinified skillfully and aged for just 6 months in used barrels).  Aromas and flavors of mulberries and black cherries are very attractive, with some savory undertones that keep the wine interesting sip after sip.  Made by the exceptionally talented Issac Fernandez and imported by the irrepressible Aurelio Cabestrero, this should be relatively easy to find for the category…and an exceptionally good ambassador for it.  A wicked good wine to pair with burgers or other un-fussy foods, but certainly not limited to that purpose.