El Bombero 2017

For lovers of big, smooth reds, El Bombero is a top choice. It comes from Cariñena, a hot, arid region of Spain where sun loving grapes like Garnacha (same as Châteauneuf’s Grenache) achieve amazing ripeness. Particularly in the hot dry 2017 vintage. Ancient vines and a lack of rain mean fewer grapes, which in turn means far more flavour intensity. Exhibit A: El Bombero. There are no fancy châteaux around Cariñena, but, as Decanter magazine notes, that doesn’t stop the region being home to some of the best value reds in the world. From award winning winemaker Javier Domeque, El Bombero is packed with spicy black fruit. Delicious on its own and a tasty choice for full flavoured pasta, herby roast sausages and mash, and, of course, barbecues.