Borsao Tres Picos 2013

Borsao 2013 Tres Picos, Garnacha, Aragon, Spain | 15% | A remarkably consistent, old vine Garnacha of unparalleled richness at this tier, Borsao’s 2013 Tres Picos always packs dark fruit and cola spices into a dense, ripe red proving Campo de Borja of Spain is El Imperio de la Garnacha (the Empire of Garnacha). Black plum, black cherry and blackberry are especially fragrant and balanced by sweet cured tobacco scents, and a telltale aroma combining vanilla bean and leather. Most of the world’s Garnacha falls short of this formidable red in terms of density, body, and concentration of fruit and spice.

Old vines ranging from 35 to 60 years old deserve much of the credit. Between the vines great age, that they cling to Moncayo Massif mountain soils of clay and limestone, and that they spend their lives growing despite the drying North-West “Cierzo” wind, the yields each year remain extremely low –always less than 2 tons per acre. After nearly a month soaking on their skins during fermentation, this Garnacha then spends 5 to 10 months in French oak casks depending on barrel age. This yields an opaque red of textural depth but keeps smooth and approachable thanks to polished tannins and a gentle acidity.
Wine review by Nicholas Livingston, January 25, 2016 (Root Day)

Food Pairings

Steaks, pasta with meat sauces, sausages the spicier the better. Barbecued ribs or chicken. Burgers and brats.