When you are not running with the bulls on Pamplona Spain for the annual running of the bulls, (Sanfermines) then you should be drinking their wines of Navarra.
Navarra vineyards are located in the North of Spain at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ebro river basin and the Bardenas Reales desert. Navarra is just a 4 hour train ride from Madrid.
No surprise that Chardonnay is produced here bit it is a surprise on how delicious it is and what a value these Chardonnays are.
2005 Bodegas Castillo de Monjardin E; Cerezo This is a non oaked Chardonnay. There is varietal characteristic purity with a little extra acidity.
This is at SRP of $13
2015 Bodegas Vega de Castillo Garnacha Cepas Viejas This 100% Garnacha wine is aged for 3 months in American oak. These 46 year old vineyards are located in the Ribera Alta area.
This wine just screams freshness. Starting from it bright ruby color to its fresh cheery aromas. On the palate there is just the right amount of tannin to keep this easy drinking. There is floral cherry in the finish with a good balance of tannin and acidity. SRP of $10.
These are just two examples of how food friendly the Wines of Navarra are.