The LaGranja 360 Garnacha Rosado 2016 is a $4.99 Trader Joe’s imported wine sourced from grapes grown in the Cariñena DO inside the Zaragoza Province in north-east Spain. The LaGranja 360 (translates to the Farm 360) line of wines, which for the most part sell for under 5 bucks (I think their Cava Sparkling wine is a dollar or so more) of everyday Red and White wines that are very consistent and very drinkable. The grapes come from a local commune of farmers, none of the farmers have large enough vineyards to establish their own independent wineries. They band together and either pool their money and build a winery or rent space at an established facility and hire a winemaking team to produce the wine. And something that is unique in this price range, they hired an artist to create very identifiable and attractive labels for the wines. Most 5 buck wines don’t pay a great deal of attention to the packaging, with the Granacha Rosado there is a flamingo standing on one leg (the bird is pinkish like the wine), the Tempranillo/Granacha blend has a zebra where someone is in the process of painting the black stripes red.These are young wines, not meant to be aged or cellared. The alcohol content is 13%.
The color reminds me of a bottle of Rose’s Grenadine, maybe not quit so dark, but more red than pink. The nose is strawberries, bubblegum, a little watermelon, and cherry cough drops, but not sweet. This is a dry, balanced Rose’ with delicate flavors. It tastes of black cherry, strawberry, plum, and hint of cream. The mid-palate mirrors the body of the Rose’, but does add a touch of tart cherry. The acidity is subdued, this is a sipping wine. The finish is subtle and slowly fades.
To my way of thinking, the LaGranja 360 wines are the inexpensive line of wines Trader Joe’s shoppers should be looking for. Charles Shaw or 2 Buck Chuck wines fluctuate between not bad for the money to not worth your time. The LaGranja 360 wines always deliver as long as you are looking for a light to medium bodied wine that is bright and fruit forward with not too much acidity or alcohol. Which is basically the definition of a first-rate 5 buck wine. This Rose’ is very drinkable and not in a “well it only costs $4.99 so I will put up with the comprises” kind of way. It is a solid Tuesday night on the patio or balcony, the low-cost isn’t an issue, you drink it because you like it.
