Torres Family Sangre de Toro 2004

Sometimes when I’m roaming a wine shop in a hurry and didn’t have a particular wine in mind when I arrived, I’ll look for the most interesting label from a region of Europe that I’m not familiar with.  For whatever reason, when I’m in this mode, I don’t look for something local. I think this is due to my fascination with all things Europe - history, culture, wine…

Bulls’ Blood from somewhere in Spain!. That got my attention and with the yellow tag at QFC showing a good discount from the previous price, I was sold.

According the Torres Family:  A fine wine, made from Grenache and Carignane. Superb with roasts, casseroles, game and traditional Spanish meat dishes. Deep ruby colour with a hint of ochre. Rich complex Mediterranean aromas with exuberant notes of spices and blackberries. Velvety tannins are noted on the palate with elegant flavours of liquorice and small dark forest fruits (blueberries and blackcurrants).

According to Sean O’Connor: All of the Spanish wines I’ve tried previously have had some tempranillo in them, so this wine was a new experience for me.  I’m familiar with the grenache grape from other Spanish and French wines, but this is the first time I’ve tried a wine with carignane invited to the party.  Wikipedia notes that “Carignane is responsible for huge quantities of mediocre or poor wine.” Yikes. Apparently, its best blended with other varietals and can be grown on certain slopes to produce good wines.  Distinctly different. That’s what kept to my mind as I was drinking this.  I liked the dryness and the flavors of the wine, but couldn’t pick much out beyond the berry scents. I’d drink this again.