Evodia Garnacha

Evodia Garnacha is a 100% Garnacha red wine from Calatayud, Spain, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vineyards at 800–1,000 meters elevation in the village of Atea — the highest-altitude site in the entire Calatayud DO — this wine earned 91 points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate across both its 2020 and 2021 vintages.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Calatayud, Aragón, Spain  |  100% Garnacha  |  Producer: Bodegas San Alejandro

Production & Heritage

Bodegas San Alejandro is a cooperative winery based in the Calatayud DO of Aragón, northeastern Spain. Evodia is fermented with 15–20% whole clusters in concrete tanks, then aged for five to six months — roughly 80% in concrete and 20% in neutral oak barrels. The fruit comes from old-vine Garnacha grown in black schist soils composed of slate and quartzite over clay, a geological profile that closely mirrors the prestigious soils of Priorat and contributes pronounced minerality to the finished wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Wild cherry and ripe raspberry lead, followed by delicate spice-box notes and a whisper of fresh crushed herbs. A subtle wet-stone minerality sits beneath, reflecting the schist soils.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with black cherry, kirsch, and currant unfolding across the mid-palate. Fine-grained tannins give the wine structure without any hard edges, while cedar and baking spice add complexity as it opens up in the glass.

Finish: Medium in length with a balanced, slightly mineral fade and lingering notes of cranberry and dried herbs. The tannins resolve cleanly, leaving a fresh, lifted impression.

How to Drink Evodia Garnacha

Serve at 60–65°F (15–18°C). This Garnacha is fruit-driven enough to enjoy without decanting but benefits from 20–30 minutes of air if you want to coax out the spice and mineral layers.

• Sangría Roja: The wine's bold cherry fruit and moderate tannin provide a structured backbone that stands up to citrus and brandy without becoming thin.
• Kalimotxo: A classic Basque combination of red wine and cola — Evodia's ripe berry intensity and low oak influence make it an ideal match for this informal serve.
• Red Wine Spritzer: The juicy, mineral character holds its identity when lightened with sparkling water and a wedge of orange over ice.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious wine at a value-tier price point
• Introducing Spanish Garnacha to friends more familiar with New World reds
• Pairing with grilled meats at an outdoor cookout
• Building a case of everyday wines that consistently deliver critical acclaim

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Evodia Garnacha taste like? Evodia Garnacha is dominated by ripe wild cherry, raspberry, and black currant, layered with cedar, baking spice, and a distinctive wet-stone minerality from its high-altitude schist soils. The tannins are fine and supple, giving the wine a juicy, balanced mouthfeel.

How does Evodia Garnacha compare to Garnacha from Campo de Borja? Both DOs are in Aragón and specialize in old-vine Garnacha, but Calatayud's vineyards sit at significantly higher elevations (up to 1,000 meters), which typically produces wines with brighter acidity and more pronounced mineral character. Campo de Borja Garnachas tend to be fuller-bodied and more overtly ripe at similar price points.

Is Evodia Garnacha good for beginners? Yes — its fruit-forward profile, soft tannins, and absence of heavy oak make it highly approachable for drinkers new to Spanish reds, while the mineral undertone keeps it interesting for experienced palates.

Where is Evodia Garnacha made? Evodia Garnacha is produced by Bodegas San Alejandro, a cooperative winery in the Calatayud Denominación de Origen in Aragón, northeastern Spain. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the village of Atea, the highest-elevation village in the Calatayud DO.

What foods pair well with Evodia Garnacha? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's herbal and mineral notes. Chorizo and other cured Spanish meats mirror its spice-box character. Roasted red pepper dishes highlight the cherry fruit. Manchego cheese echoes the wine's Spanish origin and matches its moderate tannin. Wood-fired pizza with mushrooms and sausage pairs well with the wine's juicy, medium-bodied structure.

What sizes does Evodia Garnacha come in? Evodia Garnacha is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Evodia Garnacha worth the price? Evodia Garnacha positions squarely in the value tier, yet it carries 91-point scores from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate — a level of critical recognition that many wines at several times the price fail to achieve. For a daily-drinking red with genuine terroir character, it represents strong value within the Spanish Garnacha category.

Why Evodia Garnacha?

What separates Evodia from the crowded field of affordable Spanish reds is altitude. At 800–1,000 meters, the Atea vineyards are the highest in Calatayud, producing grapes with naturally concentrated fruit and firm acidity that rarely need the correction of heavy oak aging. The black schist soils — the same geological formation prized in Priorat — contribute a mineral signature that gives the wine a sense of place beyond its price class. Consecutive 91-point ratings from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate confirm that this cooperative bottling delivers well above expectations for a value-tier Garnacha.