The Grenache Empire is sometimes used to talk about to the wine from Aragon and it is a very apropriate name as well for Alto Moncayo. Last november this wine was awarded 100 points, a perfect score, by the Wine Advocate: Alto moncayo 2007 and Alto Moncayo 2009 “two of the greatest expressions of old vine Grenache from the province of Aragon” in the words of Robert Parker himself.
At Bodegas Alto Moncayo, in the A.O. Campo de Borja, this indigenous grape variety is grown under the supervision of Australian oenologue Chris Ringland and José Luis Cuenca, oenologue from Bodegas Borsao. Their objective is to be a becnhmark for the world and so far they are making it happen. These centenary vines were first planted in 1910 on the North face of Moncayo, a stony terrain with a high presence of slate and gravel.
“Lots of crushed, chalky minerality intermixed with explosive notes of kirsch liqueur, lavender and spring flowers are found in this dense, full-bodied, pure red.” are just some of the notes dedicated by The Wine Advocate. Furthermore, Parker considers its cellaring potential to be between 20 to 30 years, although its optimal would be closer to 8-15 years.
From INVINIC we would like to sincerely congratulate Bodegas Alto Moncayo and encourage our readers to try out some of the winery’s gems as well, such as Alto Moncayo Veraton 2010 and Alto Moncayo Aquilón 2004, on the lower and upper segment of Alto Moncayo, respectively.
For now, we will leave you to enjoy the documentary “Proyecto Garnachas de España” (with English Subs) about the winemaking, cultivation and study of this amazing grape variety.
Parte III Proyecto Garnachas de España La Garnacha Salvaje del Moncayo from Vintae on Vimeo.
Photo by: www.planetahedonista.com
