Arraez Canallas Tempranillo Monastrell 21

A new trend has been developing in the wine world, and Spain is at the head of the curve in this endeavor. The trend: superbly crafted, traditionally made wines that sport crazy, fun labels. What's most refreshing about all of this is that despite what the crazy, fun labels may suggest, it's now very hip to be traditional.

Yes, it's true; in many winemaking circles all around the globe, the coolest thing around is the most traditional. Young winemakers are returning to their home regions after studying in hotspots like Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rioja, and the Piemonte in Italy. They're bringing back all the valuable experiences and lessons learned, which are applied with love and respect to their local culture and winemaking traditions. The wine-drinking public comes out as the real winner of this trend!

In 1950, Antonio Arráez Garrigós founded Bodega Arráez in La Font de la Figuera, a somewhat sleepy village an hour's drive from Valencia. The arrival of Antonio "Toni" Arráez, grandson of the founder, was a turning point for the winery and ushered in the third generation of Arráez family winemaking.

Toni returned to his home region after completing his studies at Oenology School and after years of practical experience abroad and throughout Spain. He was determined to apply all this valuable experience at his family winery to produce the best expression of wines from his home region.

Canallas Tinto is sourced from vines grown on the clay and calcareous soils of La Font de la Figuera at an altitude of 2000 feet above sea level on the outskirts of Valencia. American oak barrel aging for four months provides a roundness seldom found in such an inexpensive wine, and their high percentage of used barrels ensures the vibrant freshness that I love in this wine.

The brilliant violet color leads to the aromas of cherry, ripe strawberries, vanilla, and cacao. It's wonderfully juicy on the palate, featuring notes of dark berry, blueberry, vanilla, and spice, all lingering nicely through the lengthy finish. Enjoy this one with a wide variety of foods -- burgers, chops, steaks, stews, and roasts.

Canallas is a really fun wine; however, it is made by a very serious winemaker. Well, a serious winemaker with a sense of humor -- Canallas colloquially translates to "scoundrel" or "scallywag" and the graphics on the label, drawn by young artists, were inspired by street murals and the latest urban art.

So there you have it, a great deal on an inexpensive, serious wine that we don't have to take seriously! Stock up on this one to keep on hand for parties and impromptu visits from serious and not-so-serious friends -- the label alone is a great conversation starter!