Bodegas Alto Moncayo

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

The vineyards span elevations of 500–800 metres, shaped by a cool, dry continental climate influenced by Atlantic conditions in winter, Mediterranean warmth in summer, and the persistent north-westerly wind, El Cierzo. Microclimates vary with altitude, while annual rainfall ranges from approximately 250 mm in lower sites to 350 mm at higher elevations. Old-vine, slow-ripening Garnacha is planted on stony, well-drained soils of limestone, marl, dolomite, quartzite, and slate over deeper clay layers. These deeply rooted vines produce naturally low yields of exceptional concentration. Vineyard expansion, launched in 2013 under the Locos por el Vino project, continues to prioritise top sites and native Garnacha selections. The Locos por el Vino initiative has added a modern, youthful range to the portfolio, including Zismero, Barambán, and Gruñón. These wines are crafted using an innovative yet respectful winemaking approach that highlights the individuality of each variety and reinforces the estate’s long-term vision for future generations.

Winemaking

Each variety is vinified separately in small stainless-steel tanks, often beginning with a cold pre-fermentation soak to preserve freshness and aromatic clarity. Fermentations take place at carefully controlled temperatures, with gentle extraction to maintain fruit purity. Depending on the wine, maturation may include French or American oak, while selected cuvées rest on their lees to build texture and complexity. Across the portfolio, the emphasis remains on precision, restraint, and respect for varietal character and terroir expression.