Navarra

The five production zones span a marked north-to-south transition. Wetter northern areas contrast with the more semi-arid Ribera Baja, while Ribera Alta is a zone of transition. Garnacha is the regional emblem, but Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and white varieties also contribute to the range.

Rosado is an important introduction to Navarra, especially when made from Garnacha, but the region also offers serious red wines and whites. The rosé tradition does not mean all bottles are sweet. Judge sweetness separately, and use a named zone or producer to narrow the otherwise broad set of possible styles.