Borsao Garnacha, Campo de Borja

I have always been a fan of wines from Bodegas Borsao from the Spanish wine-growing region of Campo de Borja ever since we used to sell one of their wines in the 1990s which Robert Parker rated around 95 points, which was pretty unheard of for a wine costing around £5 a bottle. We have just taken delivery of a new (to us) wine the Borsao Garnacha.

Bodegas Borsao is really a co-operative of co-operatives! Established in 2001, it is a collection of the three of the most progressive co-operative cellars in the Campo de Borja wine-growing region. Grapes come from 620 member growers covering 2,500 hectares, nearly a third of the region’s total.

Where are Bodegas Borsao?

The Denominacion de Origen of Campo de Borja is located in the northwest of the  Zaragoza province of Aragon, Spain. It is located between the Ebro Valley and the Iberian system of mountain ranges. The whole region is dominated by the Moncayo mountain which gives the area it’s own microclimate. The vineyards lie in the foothills of the Moncayao mountain and the region is characterised by having an arid climate with hot, dry days and cool nights – conditions in which Garnacha thrives.

Borsao Garnacha Tasting Notes

Currently on sale at less than £6 a bottle, this is a great value red wine. The nose has typical Grenache-y aromas with juicy, bramble, cherry and white pepper spiciness. The palate is soft and giving with good acidity and more subtle spiciness. If this was summertime I would say it would be an ideal barbeque wine, as it is February and freezing perhaps try it with a some bangers and mash (preferbably Hampshire Herby bought from Phil’s Sausages!).

Alternative Wine Suggestion

The world of Spanish Garnacha / Grenache is ever-changing. In more recent years there has been a move towards fresher and purer styles. If you would like to try this style, the best place to start is with Bodegas Jimenez-Landi and their El Corralon and Sottorondero.