Your social calendar is about to get a little busier. On Sept. 16 the world will celebrate the annual Garnacha Day. It’s the perfect time to raise a glass and celebrate this popular varietal. Garnacha (also known as Grenache) is a grape that is widely planted around the world and comes in a range of styles. I recently attended a tasting of Garnacha wines from the Carinena region of Spain, where the grape tends to flourish and is believed to have originated from.

Many of the wines tasted were very good to excellent and would be worthy of your consideration. But first here are a few things you should know about Garnacha:

1. Garnacha from Spain is fast becoming one of the most popular grape varietals. It is a wine that has vast global distribution, therefore making it available to millions.

2. In the Carinena region of Spain, older-vine Garnacha grapes are considered the highest in terms of quality. These plantings range in age from 30 to over 100 years.

3. Garnacha wines are known for outstanding quality-to-value. Well-balanced and fruity, these wines offer flavors reminiscent of strawberry, raspberry and black cherry. What’s more, these wines are ready to drink upon release.

4. The climate of Carinena, Spain, is extreme but also well-suited for growing Garnacha. With high altitudes, day-to-night temperature swings, seasonal winds and stone soil this region produces wines with distinct character and depth.

5. The smooth, balanced profile of Garnacha is extremely food-friendly and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Lush and juicy, these wines match well with everything from tapas and light salads to smoked meats, pasta and cheese.

Here’s a listing of Garnacha wines from Carinena, Spain, that are delicious to drink, easy on the wallet and perfect for making this year’s Garnacha day a special one:

Bodegas Paniza, 2015 Garnacha: This wine from 20-year-old vines offers enticing aromas of blackberry and black cherry, plus hints of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate the wine really delivers with a smooth, lush texture. An abundance of sweet dark fruits such as blackberry and plum, along with hints of spice, mineral, licorice and vanilla, are quite pronounced. The finish is flavorful and long-lasting. $15

Bodegas San Valero, 2015 Particular Garnacha Joven: This wine made from 100 percent Garnacha grapes offers a bright red cherry color. From the first glass you notice the ripe fruit aromas, along with subtle nuances of spice and oak aging. Medium-bodied, this wine has a very distinct flavor profile, along with a persistent finish. $14

Paniza Joven Rosé 2014: Fermented in stainless steel tanks, this rosé has light fruit and floral aromas along with a delicate balance. It pairs well with everything from simple hors d’oeuvres to fish and vegetable dishes. $13

Corona de Aragon 2013 Old Vine Garnacha: Smooth and silky with ripe berry and cherry flavors. In spite of the wine being on the light side, it offers both rich flavors along with a silky smooth finish. $13

Wine of the Week: 2015 Domaine Bousquet: Merlot, Argentina. Soft and lush with blueberry and cherry flavors along with hints of mocha. This organically produced wine is smooth as it caresses the palate. Pairs well with red meat dishes, pasta and most cheeses. $15

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