One such region is the DO (similar to France’s AC and Italy’s DOC) Campo de Borja in the region of Aragón. Winemaking here dates to Roman times and wine has been exported from here since medieval times. Campo de Borja is geographically an extension of southern Navarra which partially surrounds Rioja. Vineyards here climb the slopes of the Sierra del Moncayo that offer excellent drainage. Red wines predominate and are produced from Garnacha, Tempranillo, Mazuelo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. White wines account for less than 10% of production. The DO is currently producing many clean, well-made wines that are a good value, but its export numbers are still small. For more information see: www.campodeborja.com.

Los Dos Barrica is sourced from 45-year old Garnacha (85%) and Syrah (15%) vines that are planted far apart (only 800-840 vines per acre) because of the poor soil. They are not trellised, but are planted in the bush method with very short shoots yielding a miniscule 1.28-1.44 tons of grapes per acre. After 15 days of maceration and fermentation in stainless steel at a relatively warm 82 degrees, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for three to four months. The resulting wine has a relatively modest 13.58% alcohol and shows an intense violet red color. On the nose, a predominance of red and black berries mixes with touches of toast, vanilla, and coffee. Velvety and voluptuous in the mouth, the soft and sweet tannins lead to a smooth finish. It works exceptionally well with barbecued foods. Try it with tapas such as Pinchitos Morunos.

The winemakers are Spaniards Javier Vela, Fernando Ballesteros, and Javier Baselga, but this winery is actually part owned by our neighbor Winebow, a highly respected wine importer and distributor with headquarters in Montvale.

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