Campo de Borja (which rather grandly calls itself ‘The Empire of Garnacha’), is a DO of 6,000 hectares in Zaragoza province, between Navarra and Catalayud, in the broad, almost delta-like flood plains of Rio Ebro, after it departs la Rioja and before it reaches Priorat and its Mediterranean shore. Above these floodplains, the slopes leading up to the Moncayo mountain have a special microclimate among the 16 municipalities of the DO. Young gun winemaker, Isaac Fernandez works in the highest, most extreme parts of Campo de Borja that forces the vines to struggle to grow. This ripe, savoury entry level Garnacha is sourced from bush vines around 25 years old that are grown at around 600 metres altitude on gravelly chalky loam. The fruit is hand-picked then fermented in stainless steel, and bottled directly from these vats to emphasise a vibrant, lively fruit character.

Fresh, juicy and stacked with fruit – in a word delicious.

Very deep dark red black colour with a bright dark crimson red hue. A combination of ripe dark raspberry and dark cherry aromas show good aromatic lift prevailing over some liquorice, juicy plum, subtle scorched earth notes and incense. Light to medium weight, juicy and utterly delicious the palate sports ripe dark raspberry, plum and liquorice flavours delicately infused with incense over some light scorched earth characters and spice. Bright finish with a refined yet supportive tannin structure. Excellent length with a long savoury aftertaste of dark raspberries, plums, liquorice, subtle scorched earth and spice.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.