Description Spain’s Alicante region was once plagued by fierce pirates – including the legendary ‘Red Beard’, or Barbarossa. We can’t say for sure if they left any hidden booty, but we did uncover a treasure trove of gnarled old vines yielding tiny quantities of intensely flavoured grapes. Our buyer, Becca, was visiting winemaker Pamela Geddes when she spotted a single plot of Garnacha Tintorera. This grape is usually blended into other Spanish reds to add richness – but Becca persuaded Pamela to bottle it as the star. The result? Three Golds, a Double Gold and 90pts, and a deep, rich red, with just a dash of Shiraz for gentle spice. Brimming with blackcurrant and spicy bramble fruit, Barbarossa is a must-try for Black Red fans.
