As part of the European Union (EU) Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) the wines from Calatayud, Campo de Borja, Cariñena, Terra Alta and Priorat carry a guarantee of their provenance and quality, with their regional names, characteristics and products protected by EU Geographical Indications. By ensuring ongoing quality by relevant checks, controls and traceability systems that differentiate the products and raise their profiles, each appellation produces wines that share common traits but are unique to their region. If you see PDO labels on wines, you can rest assured that you will be rewarded with excellent quality and European standards (safety, traceability, authenticity, labelling, nutritional and health aspects, animal welfare, respect for the environment and sustainability, as well as the characteristics of agricultural and food products, particularly in terms of their quality, taste, diversity or traditions; among others).

Regardless of the season, occasion or palate preference, Garnacha is always the right choice. That’s because Garnacha offers more diversity and versatility than any other grape variety, showcasing its many styles in European vineyards.

Garnacha has more to offer than other grapes because it isn’t just one variety—it’s several varieties in one. There are red/black, white, grey, tintorera and peluda variants with different clones of Garnacha, each of which lends a unique aroma and flavor profile to the wines. Place matters, too—Garnacha grapes are expressive of their origins, particularly when grown in the soils of their European birthplace, meaning that Garnacha wines can range from generously fruity to intensely mineral.

Spanish winemakers therefore have a rich array of high-quality fruit from which to create a full spectrum of wines, from fine sparkling and fresh white to fruity rosé and to bold red. Contemporary winemakers in Europe are even working to expand Garnacha’s range by producing more balanced wines, meaning that the resulting wines can range from delicate to robust. Garnacha also produces some of the world’s finest fortified sweet wines in white, red, rosé, or oxidative styles, sometimes with Rancio expression. The majority of grapes are red (a.k.a. tinta) Garnacha, which are used to produce all range of wines, including reds, whites and rosés in still, sparkling, and sweet styles.

Generally, the reds will have medium body, low to medium acidity, and high alcohol, from fruity to spicy hints. However, the variety has spun off several mutations during its millennia in vineyards. White Garnacha typically makes wines with medium intensity, medium to high acidity, and high levels of alcohol, with a combination of floral, herbaceous, and fruity notes. Grey Garnacha, a less common variant, is used to produce mineral-driven whites and pale rosé wines with copper hues that are light-bodied with citrus notes. Peluda, or “hairy,” Garnacha—so-called because of its hairy leaves—produces more concentrated body than black Garnacha, lower-alcohol wines with red fruit aromas. Experience the diversity and range of Garnacha wines by pairing an entire meal with Garnacha alone, Garnacha fits in perfectly.