From big rich reds to fresh, crisp whites, from fruity roses to fortified sherries to sparkling wines--Spain does it all.
Rioja's neighbor to the east, Navarra is a beautiful and rugged slice of north central Spain, situated just beneath Pamplona and the Pyrenees in Basque country. Mountains shield the vineyards from snarling winds, and growing conditions are similar here to Rioja. The vineyards are planted with many of the same grapes, too. Tempranillo and Garnacha are important. An important difference, however, is Navarra winemakers enjoy greater flexibility than vintners in Rioja. Looser regulations in Navarra encourage experimentation and wider plantings of international grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, for example) and blends that traditionally have not been permitted in Rioja. Navarra is also a primary spot for fresh, flavorful rosé wines made from Garnacha.
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