Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Barembán, DO Campo de Borja, Spain, 2022

Product code: 6666

Producer Profile

Bodegas Alto Moncayo, founded in 2002 in the Campo de Borja DO, was established with the ambition of creating benchmark Garnacha wines from native clones and venerable old vines.

The estate is led by President and Founder José Miguel Sanmartín, alongside Winemaker and CEO Miguel Sanmartín, Principal Winemaker José Luis Chueca, and Consultant Winemaker Chris Ringland. Situated at elevation above the town of Borja, the winery enjoys sweeping views across the Ebro Valley to the Pyrenees, dominated by the dramatic Moncayo massif from which it takes its name. Deeply committed to environmental stewardship, Alto Moncayo follows a long-term, sustainability-driven philosophy embedded into everyday practice, aiming not only to meet but to exceed local and EU standards. Its dedication to expressive Garnacha has played a vital role in preserving some of the region’s oldest, low-yielding vines, many of which might otherwise have been uprooted. Through meticulous viticulture and respectful winemaking, Bodegas Alto Moncayo continues to champion the unique potential of high-altitude Garnacha, producing wines of power, balance, and unmistakable sense of place.

Viticulture

Garnacha vines aged 15–25 years grow at around 550 metres on wind-swept slopes of the Moncayo, influenced by the cooling Cierzo. The vines are bush-trained and dry-farmed on ferrous clay and slate soils rich in quartz and sandstone. Grapes are hand-harvested in the second half of October and carefully triaged at the winery.

Winemaking

Fermented in open tanks following a two-day cold pre-fermentation soak, with alcoholic fermentation at 25–30°C. The wine is aged for seven months in a combination of French and American oak.

Tasting Note

A deep ruby wine with aromas of violets, currant, and blackberry. The palate is powerful yet silky, revealing layers of blackberry, plum, and cherry. Fruit, floral, and subtle spice notes are well balanced, supported by nuanced oak. The finish is long, persistent, and with excellent potential for ageing.