Years ago, while working on a project in Calatayud, renowned importer Eric Solomon met distinguished French winemaker Jean-Marc Lafage and Yolanda Diaz. Yolanda is a native of the region and knows Calatayud’s terruño better than anyone. Together they discovered a unique place within Calatayud, a high and arid plateau between the villages of Acered and Atea, bordering the Sierra de Santa Cruz. The soil here is pure schist, the same soil found in Maury where Jean-Marc was born and where he runs a small estate.
Described as a challenging but ultimately rewarding year, the cooler 2021 vintage offers a return to a more classic style. Fresher acidity, and more definition of fruit suit Garnacha well. The fruit was hand-harvested before a 20-day fermentation in concrete vats, with ~15% whole cluster fermentation for freshness. 60% of the wine was aged in concrete to maintain the pure fruit character. The remainder of the wine was aged in neutral oak for added complexity and polish.
Tasting Note
The 2021 Evodia Garnacha is a perfumed spice box that opens with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, and violet. Crushed rocks tumble into a peppery, full-bodied palate before sailing into a sleek finish with fine-grained tannins.
Food Pairing
We’ll reach for grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic for Evodia’s 2021 Garnacha. The rosemary and garlic will call back to the wine’s savoury, peppery edge while the wine’s fresh acidity will offset the meat’s richness. If it’s a bit too early to be barbecuing, we suggest an eggplant and tomato stew whose natural sweetness will mirror the wine’s juicy fruit.