Latido de Sara Garnacha

Latido de Sara Garnacha is a 100% Garnacha red wine from Navarra, Spain, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 91 points from James Suckling on its 2022 vintage, this old-vine expression delivers remarkable concentration and freshness from a tiny 1.5-hectare vineyard at 650 meters elevation.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Navarra, Spain  |  Varietal: 100% Garnacha  |  Winery: San Martín de Unx

Production & Heritage

Latido de Sara takes its name from Sara Martínez Lagos, who owns the 1.5-hectare vineyard from which this wine is sourced. The vines—over 30 years old and low-yielding—sit on slopes at 650 meters altitude in a sub-zone of Navarra known as the "Low Mountain" area, where persistent winds regulate temperature and preserve natural acidity in the fruit. Produced at the San Martín de Unx cooperative, the oldest winery in Navarra Province, the wine sees a brief four-month rest in American and Navarra oak barrels (approximately 5% of the blend), adding subtle structural complexity without overwhelming the bright Garnacha character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intensely ripe dark strawberry and raspberry, followed by a lifted layer of fresh cherry. Underneath, hints of orange peel, chopped herbs, and a whisper of vanilla from its short oak contact round out the bouquet.

Taste: On entry, sweet cherry and wild strawberry jam coat the palate with immediate fruit intensity. The mid-palate broadens into caramel, aniseed, and warm balsamic spice, all held in check by a zesty, bright acidity that keeps the wine lively. Crunchy, fine-grained tannins provide medium-bodied structure without heaviness.

Finish: The finish is medium in length, clean, and fruit-forward, with lingering notes of raspberry and a gentle spice warmth. A subtle vanilla sweetness appears at the very end, a final nod to its brief oak aging.

How to Drink Latido de Sara

Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for the fullest aromatic expression; a slight chill brings out the wine's natural freshness and makes the fruit sing. This Garnacha also works beautifully in wine-based drinks: a classic Spanish Sangria, where its ripe berry character and spice notes form a natural backbone; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), a Basque Country staple that plays off the wine's bold fruitiness; or a Tinto de Verano, where its zesty acidity and cherry brightness pair perfectly with lemon soda over ice.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a reliable, food-friendly Spanish red
• Introducing Garnacha lovers to high-altitude Navarra expressions
• Casual tapas gatherings with friends and charcuterie spreads
• Gifting a wine enthusiast an affordable bottle with critic recognition

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Latido de Sara taste like? Latido de Sara is an intensely fruity, medium-bodied Garnacha dominated by ripe dark cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, with secondary notes of caramel, aniseed, and warm vanilla spice from brief oak aging.

How does Latido de Sara compare to Unsi Terrazas de Garnacha? Both are Garnacha-based wines from Navarra, but Unsi Terrazas de Garnacha leans toward deeper scrubland and herbal character, while Latido de Sara emphasizes bright red and dark fruit with lighter oak influence. Latido de Sara's high-altitude vineyard and old vines contribute a distinctive freshness and concentration that sets it apart at a comparable price point.

Is Latido de Sara good for sipping on its own? Absolutely—its ripe fruit intensity, balanced acidity, and soft tannins make it an approachable and satisfying wine to drink neat, especially with a slight chill to highlight its freshness.

Where is Latido de Sara made? Latido de Sara is produced at the San Martín de Unx cooperative, the oldest winery in Navarra Province, in northern Spain. The grapes come from a small 1.5-hectare vineyard at 650 meters elevation in the "Low Mountain" sub-zone of Navarra.

What foods pair well with Latido de Sara? Grilled lamb chops, where the wine's berry fruit complements charred, savory meat; Manchego cheese, whose nutty richness balances the wine's bright acidity; roasted red pepper tapas, which echo its ripe fruit and spice; chorizo and cured meats, whose fat and salt are cut by the wine's freshness; and roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil, a classic Mediterranean pairing.

What sizes does Latido de Sara come in? Latido de Sara Garnacha is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Latido de Sara worth the price? Latido de Sara positions as an excellent entry-level to mid-range Spanish Garnacha that consistently punches above its weight, as evidenced by its 91-point James Suckling score—a rarity at this value tier.

Why Latido de Sara?

What distinguishes Latido de Sara from the crowded field of Spanish Garnacha is the specificity of its origin: a single 1.5-hectare vineyard, vines exceeding 30 years of age, and an altitude of 650 meters that introduces a freshness rarely found in wines at this price level. A 91-point score from James Suckling on its 2022 vintage confirms its quality far exceeds expectations for a value-tier Navarra red. The restrained oak program—just four months and only partially applied—lets the raw Garnacha fruit remain the star, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and honest. For drinkers seeking old-vine character and altitude-driven complexity without a premium price tag, this is a benchmark bottle.