Alto Moncayo, 'Veraton', Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, 2022

Overview of the Wine
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.

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Winemaker
Chris Ringland

Grape / Blend
Grenache

Origin
Campo de Borja, Spain

Winemaker's Tasting Note
Appearance is deep red with scarlet rim. The wine shows a pleasant collection of balsamic notes, chocolate and black fruits. Warm in the mouth, full of nuances, expressive with an immensely pleasing finish.

95 Points - Decanter
Plentiful notes of cherry blossom, red plum, cinnamon and cocoa submerge the palate which boasts vivid acidity, pliant tannins and a shiny backbone of oaky charm.

91 Points - Wine Spectator
A stylish red, fragrant with milled pepper and Earl Grey. There’s a zesty tension to the focus, with fine, taut tannins and lively acidity driving the well-meshed notes of crushed boysenberry, red currant, mocha, licorice root and loamy earth. Drink now through 2035.

90 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Garnacha Veraton Garnacha from Campo de Borja aged primarily 80% in new French and American oak. This is dominated by the barrel aging, with a nose of vanilla, sandalwood, red fruit candy and rose perfume. Creamy and structured, with acidity in line with the style, this is a rich, vigorous red in which the 16% alcohol is well integrated. It only really appears on the finish along with hints of hay.

 Product size: 750ml