Moravia Agria is a red grape indigenous to Castilla-La Mancha in south east Spain. The region is largely known for producing large volume, inexpensive wines but is capable of producing high quality wines as well. The Meseta Central is a plateau that is a significant geographical feature in this region. The elevation of Meseta Central is about 2000 feet above sea level. This provides some temperature moderation in a region with a climate that is a combination of continental and mediterranean. This region largely grows grapes that are heat and drought tolerant, such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache, in addition to local varieties. Moravia Agria is only planted in Spain. Agria translates to ‘sour’. It is used to differentiate it from the grape Moravia Dulce (dulce translates to sweet) which is grown in Spain and Portugal. Moravia Agria was previously used in field blend wines where it was omitted from the list of included grapes. When used in significant concentrations in the final wine, it can contribute red fruit and floral or herbal notes. It is pale in color so it is a good blending partner for deeper colored grape varieties. It’s not an easy grape to cultivate, so that helps account for the limited number of plantings.
This week I drank a 2022 Envinate Albahra from Castilla-La Mancha. This wine is a blend of 70% Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouchet) and 30% Moravia Agria with small amounts of Garnacha Tinta and Pardillo. The grapes for this wine were grown at about 3000 feet above sea level in the far east of Castilla-La Mancha region. In addition to helping to preserve acidity in the grapes, the altitude aids in ripening tannins and color compounds (anthocyanins). This wine is a beautiful medium ruby color. Aromas of kirsch, cinnamon stick, cranberry, red cherries, and red currants are readily apparent on the nose. This dry, medium alcohol wine has lighter, soft tannins and marked acidity. The moderate body of this wine makes it easy to drink. On the palate, the aforementioned red fruit notes are joined with fresh red apple, tarragon, and a wet stone minerality that are especially apparent on the extended finish. This wine is a fun option during the holidays because it is a break from the more robust wines often consumed this time of year. It would pair great with a traditional turkey dinner, a funky soft cheese, smoked sausage, or lighter cuts of meat.
A Trip Around the World of Wine in 52 Weeks 