Over a hundred years old and still, these vines produce some great wine
I recently tried a Old Vines Grenacha from Bodegas Atteca, or simply “Atteca”. The back label says old vines are from hillside vines at 3000 feet with gravely soils in the Catalayud region of Spain.
How Old is Old in the Life of a Vine?
Frankly, I love anything from “old vines”; literally anything. But lately some wines have been labeling themselves “old vines” and perhaps in comparison to their recent plantings they are old. But there is “old”, and then there is “old”. How about vines that are 110-120 years old as in the case of Atteca? They must be pretty knarley looking, but at least they would fit their “old vine” label in my book. Pouring it in the glass, one notices immediately the dark, inky purple color that is just right for staining the teeth. The nose shows a good bit of spice with deep, right blackberries, blueberries and black cherries with hints of licorice. The mouth feel is lush and balanced. The finish is long, supple and very, very enjoyable.
The package of this wine is also impressive and suggests a wine of some substance and power. The bottle has high shoulders and is big. The label is edgy and modern. For some reason those that drink wine tend to not give the packaging much mind. Perhaps the mindset is that one “shouldn’t judge a book by the cover.” And while that is hard to argue against, nevertheless, the packaging does create a series of expectations of what the wine will be.
This “old vine” wine doesn’t disappoint.
The Atteca Old Vinces Garnacha fulfills the promise or promises. It fulfilled my hope that old vines really means something in this case. The quality of the wine in the bottle doesn’t disappoint either. Looking at the package, one might be willing to pay $18-20. Less than $15 it’s a bargain. At $13, 2007 Bodegas Atteca Old Vines Garnacha wine is a must buy. 
