Grapes for Borsao's Selección range are sourced from the higher vineyard slopes of the Moncayo mountains, where soils have more sand and the grapes have greater complexity.

Tasting Notes 

Nose

A delightfully pale Garnacha rosé with intense aromas of bright red fruits, raspberries and strawberries.

Palate

The palate has ripe red berry and cherry fruit characters, balancing acidity, and an appealing red fruit finish.

Production

Selected Garnacha grapes from 15-30 year old bush vines grown on stony, sandy soils, around 450 metres above sea level. 6-8 hours cold maceration on skins followed by gentle pressing. The free run juice undergoes long, cool fermentation of between 14º-18º C in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature.

History

The winery 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 optimium 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.

Sustainability

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. 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. 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.

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.

Alan's Personal Notes

"Simple pleasures! Lots of summer fruits, some balanced acidity and only natural sugars. Refreshing and classy not sweet and pimped - a proper rosé! One of our most favourite Spring/Summer Rosés!"

Specifications