The D.O.P. Cariñena is in the north-eastern region of Aragón, Spain. It is one of the oldest protected growing areas in Europe, the DO having been created in 1932. The region had been known for mead (honey wine) production dating to the 3rd century and with monasteries  moving in over the middle ages, with a focus on producing wine, half of the very warm growing region was covered in wine vineyards by the 16th century.

While the region has famously given the world the Carignan grape, its wines are largely made from Garnacha. While Garnacha or Grenache can be famously difficult to ripen, the long, hot summers in Aragón, more than sufficient. The Barón de Funes wines are aimed at balancing the fruitiness that comes from Garnacha with some structure they get by blending in Syrah or Cabernet.

Barón de Funes Rosado $9

The hot weather of Aragón may not seem like the most likely place to produce a super bright, acid driven rosado, but the folks at Barón de Funes have elevation on their side, to keep the acids high, and the grapes a bit less ripe. Made from 100% Garnacha this is a lean pink wine loaded with cut strawberry and fresh mint accents.

Barón de Funes Crianza $11

A blend of Garnacha and Syrah from up to 70 year old vines., this a youthful bottling of crianza, with all the fruit you’d expect. Purple hued and loaded up with blackberry and vanilla influenced aromatics. The palate is certainly influenced by American oak, with mocha, and cocoa flavors, along with a core of fresh black fruit.

Barón de Funes Reserva $14

A serious wine at the $14 price point, two years in French oak barrels accents the structure of the blended Cabernet. Aromas of smoke, blue fruits and herbs mingle in the aromas. Ripe rich fruit accents the palate, along with a finely grained tannin.