Miramonte Winery, Temecula Valley (California) Garnacha 2019

 As lovers of Spanish wine will recognize, this Garnacha is an echo from Iberia much more than a take on Southern Rhône Grenache — much less the formidable old vine Grenache renditions from Australia.  Stylistically, considered from a Spanish point of reference, it hovers between the light-and-bright Garnacha we know from Rioja Baja and the thicker versions from multiple appellations in Aragón.  That’s a very useful profile, as the wine can span usages from simple sipping to pairing with grilled fish or chicken but still hang in with a pork chop.  The aromas and flavors recall the red cherries that mark most successful takes on this grape, and though the wine may seem a little light in relation to its $40 price tag, that could also be said of many Pinot Noirs — but unfairly in both cases, as delicacy can be a virtue even in fine renditions of both varieties.