Simply Garnacha

Expert Opinion

In the press...

Of the 2012 vintage, David Williams said: "A new vintage of my favourite sub-£5 supermarket red from the northern Spanish value maestros Bodegas Borsao. It's particularly juicy and lively at the moment - like a punnet of very ripe strawberries and plums but with just a little peppery spice. I'd pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes while throwing together a plate of paprika-heavy chorizo and broad beans, and that's it, post-work job done."

Background

History

Bodegas Borsao was establised in 2001 and is a collection of three of the most progressive co-operative cellars in the Campo de Borja zone southeast of Rioja. Grapes come from 620 member growers covering 2,500 hectares, nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, up to 700m above sea level. In this rather severe and arid climate, with hot dry days and cool nights, Garnacha thrives and represents 70% of total production. New varieties such as Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have also adapted well to this rugged and stony terrain.

Winemaking details

Inigo Alberto

Regional info

Produced from 25 to 30 year old Garnacha from selected vineyards at 600m altitude. The poor soils combine with the old bush vines to produce moderate to low yields of grapes with excellent colour, fruit concentration and acidity. The cooling breeze from the Moncayo mountain allows the grapes to ripen slowly resulting in deep flavour and dark fruit characteristices.