Borsao Tres Picos Old Vine Garnacha

Borsao was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.

Grapes are sourced from over 375 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 around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes vines are younger and may require some irrigation, 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 optimum acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 65% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind 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 number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic 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.

With 2,400 hectares of vineyards, Bodegas Borsao is a substantially sized operation in a warm, dry region and as a result the availability and usage of water is a major issue. Much of its vineyard area is planted with Garnacha which traditionally has been bush trained. Until recently, newer plantings were wire trained for easier harvesting, but because of the greater exposure to sunlight of this training method the vines can require up to 50% more water. As a result, all new plantings have reverted to the traditional style of bush training to preserve water.

Inter-row plantings are used to improve the water-holding capacity of the soil and protect it from erosion; they contribute to a better soil structure, increasing its organic, nutrient and nitrogen content; they improve biodiversity in the vineyard since organic matter is a food source for several macro- and micro-organisms; they often increase the population of earthworms which are good indicators of soil fertility; they improve fauna above the soil, providing habitat and food for beneficial insects; they regulate vine growth, helping to control the yield and quality of grapes and wine; and they reduce the vegetative vigour of vines and thus their susceptibility to grey mould and downy mildew. These cover crops mean that less spraying and tending of the vines is required, thus fewer passes are made by tractors which reduces the compaction of the soil and the consumption of diesel. Pheromone treatments are also employed to sexually confuse predatory insects, reducing their populations significantly.

The new cellar is well insulated to reduce the need for cooling systems and to minimise energy consumption; all the chambers are equipped with automatic LED lighting; all of the bottling lines have been designed to reduce noise and to minimise the need to move dry goods and floor stock items; all hot water installations are solar powered; the greater part of the electricity used for illumination is produced by solar panels; and every single drop of rain water from the vast roof is collected and recycled. Planned new offices will also be equipped with solar panels and other energy saving mechanisms.

Since 2020 Borsao have held Eco-Prowine certification which measures and evaluates the impact of their operations and use of eco-innovative technologies to reduce their water, energy and economic footprints, and impact on the air water and soil of the environment. Re-certification also stipulates continuous improvement in these areas.

Vineyards

The grapes are sourced from Borsao’s oldest vines, up to 60 years old, planted on uneven clay and limestone soils in the Alto Moncayo – at an altitude of 600-700 metres. Yields are less than four and a half tons per hectare.

Vinification

Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel (25-30ºC) with 20-25 days maceration on skins. Maturation for 5 months in new French oak barriques.

Tasting Notes

A full-bodied, hedonistic expression of old-vine Garnacha grown at altitude.

Intense bouquet of mature red fruits with floral notes, typical of the best Garnachas. The palate is rich and well-structured with masses of bramble and ripe strawberry fruit and warm vanilla and liquorice spice. Tannins are supple but evident and the finish is big, generous and long.

Stunning with roast or grilled red meats. Chorizo cooked in cider.