A classic style of Garnacha.Vibrant nose, full of dark cherries and plum.
Rich, plum and red berry fruit with a touch of spice on the nose. Balanced yet concentrated red fruit mingles with darker spice and chocolate characters to give weight and layers to the palate. Plump ripe tannins add grip to this classic style of Garnacha.
The winery was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.Grapes are sourced from over 375 member growers covering 2,100 hectares - nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes vines are younger and may require some irrigation, but higher up the slopes the vines are older, unirrigated bush vines.The climate is rather severe and arid, with hot dry days, and cool nights - which allow optimium acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 60% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind reduces humidity levels and allows grapes to be picked a couple of weeks later in the harvest, at full maturity.Borsao has access to a large number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic quality grapes. They are recognised for their entry level varietals - as outstanding examples of easy-to-drink inexpensive wines - as they are for their premium wines, in particular the iconic, multi award winning Tres Picos. In 2024 Borsao attained the Sustainable Wineries for Climate protection certification. SWfCP is the first specific certification for the wine sector and was developed by the Spanish Wine Federation and is awarded to only 2% of the Spanish wineries. Some of the points evaluated are: greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, water management, workers and suppliers, territory and local culture, efficiency and resilience or ethical behaviour.
From selected 15 to 30 year old vines grown in low yielding hillside vineyards around 600m above sea level. Soils are stony with some sand. The Tempranillo and Syrah grapes are trellised, but Garnacha is bush vine. Harvest usually takes place in the first two weeks of October.
Varieties are vinified separately (22-24º C) in stainless steel with 10-15 days maceration.
A perfect accompaniment to chicken dishes, paella or chorizo.
91 pts - JamesSuckling.com
