Anoher influencing factor to the development of viticulture in Navarre has to do with its proximity to France. When the American mite philloxera hit France, local French producers were forced to look down south to find the grapes they needed. And many more vines than those just planted were planted in the light of an overwhelming demand coming from the north.
Navarre´s wine landscape has been for many years occupied by very refreshing rosé wines. These wines have been for decades a safe bet for anyone trying to find a great rosé at inexpensive prices. But Navarra has evolved a lot and today the range of red and white wines to be found in the local wineries is surprising.
Tempranillo, along with Garnacha, dominates in today´s vineyards. These wines are for many Spaniards a sure bet if they want to find similar quality at less price than Rioja. But Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are also to be found in Navarra today.
As for the whites, Chardonnay from Navarra has become also a very wise choice. In some cases the results are very impressive, mainly when you have a look at the price label and find yourself in front of fantastic, yet inexpensive wines.
Sweet desserts are part of Navarra´s offer also today. They are made from Mocatel grape and the local producers have managed to find a right balance between sweetness and acidity.
We can claim that today Navarra has managed to remove part of that stigma any wine region has when it neighbours a world wine giant (like Rioja in this case)