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

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 30–50 years grow between 550 metres in Borja and up to 850 metres in the higher-altitude Tabuenca area. Soils vary from red clay and sandstone in Tabuenca to gravelly, pebbly soils at lower elevations. Vines are trained using the traditional vaso system, with green harvesting and canopy management used to optimise quality.

Winemaking

Only perfectly ripe bunches are selected and harvested into small boxes to prevent crushing. Fruit is sorted at the winery before fermentation in small stainless-steel tanks. The wine is aged for 16 months in French and American oak barrels, 80% new and 20% second use.

Tasting Note

Deep red with a scarlet rim, Veratón offers aromas of balsamic notes, chocolate, and black fruits. The palate is warm, expressive, and nuanced, leading to a long, satisfying finish.

Food matching

Excellent with beef, lamb, pork, and cured meats.