Producer Details
Bodegas Borsao was establised in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other of the most progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to form a limited company.
Here in the Campo de Borja zone east of Rioja, grapes are sourced from over 700 member growers covering 2,400 hectares - nearly a third of the region's total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from 350m to 850m above sea level. At lower levels vines are newer and may undergo some irriation, 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 80% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo brushes the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wine 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 selection of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide range of great 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 the vineyard
From Garnacha grown on poor, stony soils in the foothills of the Moncayo mountain, harvested in the first half of October - with a small proportion of Tempranillo added.
In the winery
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature between 22 and 26C with 7 to 12 days maceration.
Food Recommendations
Drink with slow-cooked belly pork, or perhaps chorizo with chickpeas (as recommended by Sommelier Wine Awards judge Martin Lam).
Press Quotes
2012 Vintage: "I've never quite understood why this deep and juicy, brambly jam and blackberry-flavoured red from old-vine garnacha by the Bodegas Borsao co-operative has stayed so cheap despite widespread critical acclaim. No matter: this is a genuine example of a wine that punches way above its weight." David Williams, The Observer, 19th January 2014
Awards
2011 Vintage: International Wine & Spirit Competition 2012 - Silver
