Navarra

In the 20th Century Navarra was planted primarily to Garnacha and produced dark coloured Rosados and strong deep bulk reds. However, more recently, an influx of plantings of Cabernet, Merlot, Tempranillo and Chardonnay have threatened Garnacha and now Tempranillo has overtaken Garnacha plantings. Co-operatives still produce a lot of generic Garnacha, though premium producers such as Chivite recognise that old vines of this varietal have their place. Interestingly Chivite has withdrawn from the DO as they do not believe in the restrictions it enforces, particularly when it comes to Rosado production. In Navarra DO a Rosado must be dark in colour, however Chivite, seeing the popularity of pale Provence style Rosés have produced their own pale Rosado (in collaboration with 3* Arzak restaurant). There are 5 subzones of Navarra covering a vast array of topography, from the southern hot, dry & flat Ribera Baja and Ribera Alta lying on the banks of the Ebro, which must use irrigation, to the northern areas which are less planted and cooler.