Bodegas Alto Moncayo is a winerylocated in the area covered by the Campo de Borja Denominación de Origen (DO,wine quality standard). It was founded in 2002 with the aim of turning it intoa world reference for Garnacha wines of the highest quality, prepared fromnative vine clones.
From its privileged location in the highestpart of the town of Borja (500m above sea level) can be seen theSantuario de la Misericordia (Shrine of Mercy) and La Muela de Borja to thenorthwest, with the Ebro Valley and the Pyrenees to the north, the Sierra deTabuenca and Huecha valley to the south-east, while to the south-west in theforeground can be seen El Moncayo, which is the highest point in theIberian Mountain Range (2,315m); this gives its name to the winery.
This closeness of Moncayo, iswhat gives the area a cool, dry continental climate, influenced by the Atlanticin the winter and the Mediterranean in the summer, with different microclimatesdepending on the altitude at which the vineyard is located. Thus, averagerainfall may be 250 mm/year in the lower ranges and 350 mm/year in the higherareas of Tabuenca; hardened by the prevailing wind from the north-west, called“El Cierzo”, which accelerates evaporation from the low rainfall areas.
The soil where these old strains ofGarnacha are located is on the foothills glacis or slopes of the mountainsof Ainzón, Fuendejalón and Tabuenca; very stony, with slightly rounded edges oflimestone or marl, dolomite, quartzite and slate. These are highly permeablesoils that allow the water to seep into the deeper layers of clay.
The garnacha grape is one of thevarieties that best expresses its terroir. Thus, the Garnacha of Alto Moncayois different from the rest of the Campo de Borja Denominación de Origen (DO)area. This is due to the very strict selection made from the vineyards, thetype of soil in which they are grown, the microclimate and the age of thevines. As these vines are very old, the strains are very well-balanced, with avery deep root system.
All of these factors, together with thelocation of the vineyards, between 500m and 800m in height, where the maturityis very slow, leads to wines of great fruitiness and minerality. In the mouththey are rich and fulsome, with pleasant, mature tannins and highly aromaticpersistence.
Region
The winery's vineyards are vast and located at the junction of three villages, with terraced distribution. About 62 hectares of Grenache are planted on the southwest slope of the vineyard. The trees are old, generally between 35 and 100 years old. The soil in the vineyard is red clay, rich in iron on the surface, and contains a lot of red slate. Because it is on the hillside, the soil has little organic matter. There is a lot of rainfall in the summer and the night climate is cool, which is conducive to the growth of grapes.
Winemaking
The age of the grapes is between 30 and 50 years old and aged in barrels for 16 months.
Rating / Tasting Note
Veraton
‘Veraton’ is the third wine we producefrom the Garnacha grape, from vines between 30 and 50 years old, and aged inbarrels for 16 months. It is a wine with an attractive collection of balsamicnotes, of chocolate and black fruits, very warm in the mouth and an extremelypleasant finish.
🏅 Vinous 90 pts
The 2022 Garnacha Veraton Garnacha from Campo de Borja agedprimarily 80% in new French and American oak. This is dominated by thebarrel aging, with a nose of vanilla, sandalwood, red fruit candy and roseperfume. Creamy and structured, with acidity in line with the style, this is arich, vigorous red in which the 16% alcohol is well integrated. lt only reallyappears on the finish along with hints of hay.
Free delivery for orders over $1200 or purchase of 6 bottles or more (Hong Kong only).
Otherwise, a delivery charge of $80 will apply, or you can enjoy free pick-up at our showroom during office hours.
