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EDITORIAL
FRANÇOIS GILBERT - EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
NAVARRE, WHERE GRENACHE
REIGNS SUPREME
Independent through to the 16th century, the
Kingdom of Navarre was established in 824 by the
Vascones, the ancestors of the present-day Basques.
Its footprint was originally more extensive, stretching
north of the Pyrenees. Its somewhat chequered
history probably explains why its wine industry
was neither particularly developed nor renowned.
Southern Navarre – to focus solely on the Spanish
part of this very ancient province – is now among
regions (the Chartered Community of Navarre) that
enjoy fairly broad-ranging autonomy. Primarily
famed for its quaffing-style rosés in the past – made
from widespread plantations of Grenache vines
following the phylloxera crisis – it has now successfully
broken free of the shackles of pink wine. It has
even produced some very classic reds, akin to those
in the neighbouring region of Rioja – in fact some of
them are marketed under the famous appellation.
The current trend, though, is clearly focused on fine,
structured, aromatic red wines, often made from the
region’s iconic grape variety that is Grenache. Rioja’s
highly prized Tempranillo, however, is also grown, as
are French cousins Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.
We took an indulgent tour of the region sandwiched
between the river Ebro and the hills that roll all the
way to the Pyrenees. Isabelle Escande’s refreshing
feature report (pages 107 to 113) accurately encapsulates
the new spirit that prevails across Navarre. We
encourage you to discover this dynamic and endearing
wine region through the portraits of four Bodegas
with a strong local rooting, and concern for the environment,
innovation and the arts. This is one breath of
fresh air that you can soak up to your heart’s content!
4 SPRING 2022 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE