Continue Shopping Add to Wish List

 

Price: $19.00

Sold Out

Producer	Palacio De Sada
Country	Spain
Region	Navarra
Varietal	Garnacha,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Merlot
Vintage	2018
Sku	23984
Size	750ml

The 2018 Palacio de Sada Cuvée Especial comes from the rugged, sunlit hills of Navarra in northern Spain, a region whose winemaking heritage stretches back centuries and thrives at the crossroads of Atlantic, Continental, and Mediterranean influences. Palacio de Sada, a cooperative winery located in the foothills of the Pyrenees near the village of Sada, is dedicated to showcasing the unique qualities of Garnacha, the region’s signature grape, while experimenting with blends that express both tradition and modern craftsmanship. The “Cuvée Especial” represents a careful selection of grapes from the estate’s best plots, chosen for concentration, balance, and age-worthiness.

The vineyards lie at elevations between 400 and 800 meters, planted on limestone-rich and clay soils that provide structure and minerality. The climate is marked by warm, dry days and cool nights, conditions that allow Garnacha and its blending partners to achieve ripe flavors while preserving acidity. This highland terroir, shaped by mountain breezes, brings freshness and elegance to what might otherwise be a hot-climate red.

In 2018, the Cuvée Especial was crafted primarily from Garnacha, supported by small portions of international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The grapes were hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel before aging in a mix of French and American oak barrels. This maturation lends depth, spice, and structure, layering complexity onto the naturally bright fruit profile.

In the glass, it shows a deep ruby with violet highlights, signaling youth and concentration. Aromas rise with black cherry, plum, and raspberry, intertwined with notes of vanilla, cedar, and sweet baking spice from the oak. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, with supple tannins and lively acidity framing flavors of ripe red and black fruits, cocoa, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. The finish is smooth and lingering, balancing richness with freshness.

Versatile at the table, this Cuvée Especial pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, roasted game birds, or aged Manchego cheese, echoing the rustic flavors of northern Spain. Best served slightly below room temperature in a large-bowled glass, it benefits from a brief decant to soften the oak and open the fruit. While drinking beautifully now, it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–7 years, developing added notes of leather, tobacco, and dried fruit.