Lying in the south of Navarra, Viña Zorzal is a project run by three brothers who inherited the estate from their parents. We’re excited about the great work they’ve been doing with Garnacha, recuperating old vineyards and focusing on high altitude, bush-vine fruit. Their signature is a bright and juicy Garnacha Joven, packed with red fruits and great freshness. They're also making some impressive single vineyard wines from old vines which seriously over-deliver for the price. A project to watch.

Navarra, in northern Spain, is a diverse wine region stretching from the foothills of the Pyrenees to the Ebro River plains. Its climate is shaped by three influences: the cool, moist Atlantic breezes from the northwest, the dry, sunny Mediterranean conditions from the southeast, and the continental extremes of the Ebro Valley. This mix creates an ideal balance of freshness, ripeness, and complexity in the wines.

Soils vary greatly, with limestone and clay dominating the northern slopes, alluvial deposits along the rivers, and sandy, stony soils in warmer southern zones. These differences allow a broad range of grape varieties to flourish. Traditionally, Garnacha (Grenache) was the signature grape, producing vibrant rosados and supple reds. Today, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot are also prominent, alongside whites such as Chardonnay and Viura.

Navarra’s wine styles are equally varied: crisp, fruit-driven rosados; elegant, structured reds; and fresh, aromatic whites. Garnacha-based rosés offer strawberry and raspberry brightness, while Tempranillo and Cabernet blends show plum, black cherry, and gentle spice. Whites can be zesty with citrus and green apple, or richer with tropical and toasty notes if oak-aged. Overall, Navarra’s wines reflect a harmonious interplay of climate, terroir, and tradition, with an emphasis on balance, approachability, and expressive fruit.

Grenache, known as Garnacha in Spain, is one of the world’s most widely planted and versatile red grape varieties. Believed to have originated in Aragon, northeastern Spain, it spread across the Mediterranean and is now integral to many of the world’s great wine regions. It thrives in hot, dry climates and is particularly drought-resistant, with late-ripening characteristics that require long growing seasons.

Viticulturally, Grenache is vigorous and productive, often grown as bush vines to control yield and improve concentration. It prefers well-drained soils like schist, gravel, and sand, contributing to its rich texture and ripeness.

In Spain, Garnacha is prominent in regions such as Priorat, Rioja (often blended), and Aragón, producing wines with ripe red fruit, spice, and earthy notes. In France, Grenache is the backbone of Southern Rhône blends (e.g. Châteauneuf-du-Pape), offering warmth, red berry fruit, and herbal nuances. It is also widely planted in Australia (notably in McLaren Vale), the U.S. (especially California), and South Africa.

Grenache produces a range of styles—from fresh, fruity rosés to powerful reds and fortified wines. Typical flavours include strawberry, raspberry, white pepper, dried herbs, and sometimes leather and liquorice with age. Its soft tannins and plush texture make it both approachable and age-worthy.