Bodegas Alto Moncayo "Alto Moncayo" Garnacha Campo de Borja DO 2021
(Aragon, Spain) - [WE 95] [WS 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Bodegas Alto Moncayo is a winery located in the Campo de Borja D.O. It was founded in 2002 with the aim of turning it into a world reference for Garnacha wines of the highest quality, crafted from some of the oldest native vine clones in the area. The Garnacha grape is one of the varieties that best expresses its terroir. Thus, the Garnacha of Alto Moncayo is different from the rest of the Campo de Borja D.O area. This is due to the very strict selection made from the vineyards, the type of soil in which it is grown, the microclimate, and the age of the vines. Located in Borja- the heart of the Campo de Borja DO . Vines are planted at the foothills of El Moncayo which is the highest point in the Iberian Mountain Range (2,315 m) and the winery's namesake. The region experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Vineyards are planted on very unique soils of red clay (indicative of being rich in iron) mixed with red slate, and because of the hillside location are shallow and nutrient-deficient. The Garnacha grapes of Alto Moncayo undergo very strict vineyard selection, from vines planted as far back as the early 1900's through the 1970's. Only the most perfectly mature clusters are selected and carried in small crates to prevent crushing, where they are further sorted and selected at triage tables. Wines undergo malolactic fermentation in both French & American oak, and aged in new barrels between anywhere from 16-24 months. These practices, in combination with the unique microclimate of the area ensure superior quality Garnacha that is distinct from any other in the Campo de Borja D.O.                                                                                                                                                      
"Alto Moncayo" is the flagship of the winery. It is also another single-grape variety of Garnacha, from vines between 40 and 70 years old, aged in new barrels for 20 months. It has a remarkable complex nose, with balsamic aromas, redolent of black fruit, roasted notes and a very good structure in the mouth.

This wine has been rated twice 100 points as it truly represents the essence of the Garnacha from Aragón.

About the Vineyard
Vineyards in Tabuenca and Borja, planted with indegenous clones of Garnacha starting in the 1920s.

Wine Production
The selected highest quality grapes are placed into small stainless-steel tanks. The must is basket pressed and fermentation is finished in new French and American oak where it completes the malolactic fermentation. Wine is aged in the barrels for 20 months before bottling.

Food Pairing
Goes well with game, beef, pasta, rice and cheeses.

The Aspen Times:
“Now this is Garnacha. Produced in the Campo de Borja Denominación de Origen, a region in the hills of northeastern Spain near Zaragoza. If you like lush dark chocolate, wines that coat your mouth with a rich, regal flavor, then you, like me, will love this product of the gnarly old vines that these wines are sourced from. Grenache, or Garnacha, as they call it in Spain, is a late ripening grape that imparts a bold experience. You can try other examples of the grape, but few express their origin as this wine from Bodegas Alto Moncayo.” (September 2021)

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points & Cellar Selection - Wine Enthusiast:
"Deep garnet in the glass, this wine has an enticing nose of black currant, cocoa powder and coffee bean. It offers gorgeous layers of fruit and spice dotted with flecks of chocolate. Powerful tannins gradually mellow out and leave behind touches of cherry and chocolate." - Mike DeSimone (Oct 2024)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A bold red in a modern style, offering fine-grained, dense tannins swathed in glossy blackberry and black currant fruit, with fragrant accents of toast, dried sage, melted licorice, smoke and cocoa powder. Long and generous on the palate but well-structured and lively throughout. Best from 2026 through 2039. 3,000 cases made, 1,800 cases imported." - Alison Napjus (Aug 2024)