Yesterday I attended the Navarra wine tasting event at the W Hotel near Union Square. The event featured 20 different producers from this Spanish wine region. While Navarra sits just to the north of the famed Rioja region, it is only becoming known internationally now. It shares some of Rioja’s winemaking heritage and many of the same grapes are planted in both places. However, Navarra has established itself as a modern winemaking region, emphasizing international grapes — Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon — and an international style of production.

Among its more well-received wines, Navarra produces some lovely roses made from the Garnacha grape (also known as Grenache). These fresh and fruity roses are sturdy enough to pair with food, but light enough to enjoy on their own.