Wine of the Week 8/13/19

Bodegas Estéban Martín Baron de Funes Cariñena 2017

Regularly $10.99/On Sale for $8.96

The ancient Romans founded the city of Carae in the year 50 BC in this region already famous for its mead production, and immediately began planting vines. Winemaking was kept alive by monasteries through the middle ages as the kingdom of Aragon thrived around Cariñena; and the wines became so renowned that in 1696, the Statute Of The Vine established protected vineyards throughout the region. The DO of Cariñena was established in 1932. While Cariñena gave the grape (also known as Carignan or Mazuelo) its name, the area has recently become much more associated with Garnacha.

Bodegas Esteban Martin is a family-owned winery located in Alfamén, right in the heart of Cariñena. Their old vine vineyards are situated at the foot of the Iberian Range and influenced by a very special microclimate that provides the perfect conditions for the cultivation of Garnarcha, Tempranillo, Macabeo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The Baron de Funes red is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah, and has the perfect balance of spicy juice for the ever-so-slightly cooler evenings to come.