I was recently sent a quartet of Spanish wines from Navarra. And I was impressed.

Navarra is an ancient and proud Basque kingdom situated between the famous Rioja wine region and the Pyrenees to the north. The Ebro River runs up from the south. During the Crusades, Navarra and its capital, Pamplona, situated a little further north of the main wine region became an important gathering point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Gallicia.  It was in Navarra that one of the oldest known works of French literature, the Song of Roland recounted a famous battle in AD 778 when Charlemagne ruled the region. Ernest Hemingway also featured several of his novels, including  The Sun Also Rises and For Whom the Bells Toll in this beautiful region.

The region enjoys both Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. Seventy percent of the grapes grown here are Tempranillo and Garnacha. Like most of Spain, and other developing wine regions of the world Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown. The majority of wines are red and rose with only 5% white.

2009 Bodegas Campos de Enanzo, Tempranillo - An impressive wine for the price. Bright ruby colour, this rustic wine is chock full of cherry and raspberry fruit. There’s a slight American oak hint to this giving it a spicy edge. - $9.95

2007 Bodega Cirbonera 69 de Lasierpe Garnacha-Cabernet -  Hints of vanilla and spicy oak. Plenty of bright blackberry and blueberry fruit. Another simple and rustic wine at a great price. $12.50

2009 Bodegas Marco Real Rosado - This Ganarcha rose has raspberry and light blackberry aromas with a citrus edge. Fresh and charming with plenty of enticing fruit. Not unlike a top flight Tavel at half the price - $11

2004 Bodega Otazu Altar - From one of the regions outstanding wineries. The winery has recently been awarded Grand Cru status with the coveted ‘Vinos de Pago’ designation. This broodingly serious wine consists of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, with old vine Tempranillo making up the balance. Give this plenty of time to unfold in the glass. You’ll be rewarded with oodles of leathery smoky bacon, tarry fig and tarragon herb aromas. Meanwhile, on the palate ultra ripe black fruits and dried and dessicated fruits softly explode. Dense, and foreboding, in a good sense! A touch of minerality on the finish too. Peg this as a uniquely Spanish style Bordeaux! A great wine - $48