The El Burro Kickass Garnacha is a GIWC top 20 winner from Ayles, Spain. A wine of outstanding quality and flavour intensity that comes at a modest price. Imported by Steven Bennett, the Master of Wine at Mucho Gusto Wine Co, he takes pride in the wines' comparison to more expensive vintage bottles.
El Burro was established in 2005 by UK wine merchant, entrepreneur and innovator, Guy Anderson. His label captures the fruity and exciting nature of Garnacha, one of Spain's finest grape varieties. The name El Burro is Spanish for Donkey, as the animal worked the fields in Spain as far back as the Roman times. Made by the family-owned producer Bodegas Aylés in Aragón, the winery is one of only ten in Spain to be awarded the Vino de Pago status - Which symbolises the highest quality wineries in the nation.
The physical landscape in North Central Spain influences a number of characteristics of the El Burro Kickass wine. The intensity and purity of flavour is attributed to the 500m elevation of the vines, while the temperature fluctuations both between seasons and daylight hours allow for the preservation of freshness and drinkability. While the stoney clay soils are over 25 million years old and allow for old vines to retain enough water during periods of low rainfall, keeping vines healthy and flavoursome year-round.
When it comes to tasting notes, one can expect it to be "Gorgeously fragrant and richly fruited with abundant black Doris plum, dark berry chocolate and gentle spice characters. Full-bodied, soft, lush and smooth to taste with soft tannins and balanced freshness. An up-front, generous, hedonistic wine,” said Bennett.
The most stand out features of the Garnacha are its up-front, crowd-pleasing fruits and soft drinkable structure. It is ideally paired with meat and cheeses, on dishes such as pasta or pizza. But it also works well with rich dishes that include tuna, grilled vegetables and soup. El Burro Kickass Garnacha can be shelved comfortably for between three to five years and would best appeal to fans of flavoursome wines, especially those that enjoy Australian varieties or a fruity Kiwi Pinot.
FAST FACTS:
Winery Name: Pago Ayles
Location: Ayles
Region & Country: Aragón, Spain
Grape Variety/Varieties: Garnacha (Grenache)
'Fun Fact' about the wine/winery/winemaker? One of only ten wineries in Spain to have been awarded the status of Vino de Pago, the highest quality level that a Spanish winery can achieve.
