Vina Magana

On June 30, Acton Wine & Spirit Co. hosted a special wine tasting with six Spanish winemakers. This was an exceptional event. I am going to address each of the Spanish winemakers and their wines in their own post.

The last winemaker I met and spoke with was Diego Magana of Bodegas Vina Magana. Vina Magana was founded in 1970 and is located in the Navarra D.O. The vineyards are located in the town of Barillas, one of the warmest sub-regions of Navarra. They grow many French varietals. Diego was personable and helpful, and obviously passionate about his wines. He brought three wines with him, though the wines are not yet available for sale. They should actually improve even more by the time they are available.

2003 Vina Magana Dignus ($14.99)--The Dignus is comprised of 50% Tempranillo, 25% Merlot, and 25% Caberent Sauvignon. It sees 12 month in French oak, 50% in new oak and 50% in 1 year old oak. Only 2300 cases are made and only 500 of those are imported to the U.S. This was an interesting and complex wine, especially for the price. It was a smooth wine with dark berry flavors and a spicy finish. I very much liked this wine.

2003 Vina Magana Baron de Magana ($19.99)--This wine was comprised of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Tempranillo. It sees 14 month in French oak, 70% in new oak and 30% in 1 year old oak. Only 2000 cases are made and only 350 of those are imported to the U.S. This is also a complex wine with more spice flavors than the Dignus. It too is very smooth drinking with mild tannins. A fine wine for drinking with heartier meals like beef.

2005 Vina Magana Merlot (About $50.00)--This wine was not on the list of wines. It was more a special wine brought by Diego. They only make this Merlot in exceptional vintages. The last time they made a Merlot was about 5 years ago. And it was about ten years before that when they made another Merlot. This was a superb Merlot and certainly not the common, bland Merlots some people dislike. This is a very complex wine with intriguing fruit and spice. I would love to taste this wine after a couple years of aging. I think it would do very well. This is certainly an expensive wine but it is top notch. I am sure this is a limited production wine and definitely worth the price.

Kudos to Diego Magana!