Navarran variety

Navarran varietyOften overshadowed by neighbouring Rioja though well known lately for its affordable, quaffable reds there is much more to Navarran wine than you might think. The Navarran Denominación de Origen has given its producers more freedom in its choice of grape than other regions resulting in some excellent varietals. Here you'll find not only the traditional Tempranillo and Garnacha but Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and some suprisingly good Chardonnay and desert wines. Olite is a good place to start but any local tourist board has details of wine routes and bodegas to visit.