Bodegas Borsao
Brand Description
Bodegas Borsao is globally regarded as the benchmark winery for producing premium Garnacha. Located in the D.O. of Campo de Borja, Bodegas Borsao originated as a brand in 1958 when the cooperative of Borja was founded. In 2001, the cooperatives Ponzuelo and Tabuenca joined Borja, and Bodegas Borsao S.A. was established, bringing reform and a new sense of prestige to the winemaking practices of the group.
Location of Vineyard
Campo de Borja D.O. is located in the Aragon region, nestled against the Pyrenées Mountains. Bodegas Borsao stretches over 2,260 hectares belonging to some 375 vine-growers. The hillsides of the Moncayo shelter the vineyards located between 350 and 800 meters of altitude, regulating cold and heat, as well as moderating the effects of the North-west 'Cierzo', or wind. This region is historically and geographically conducive to growing Garnacha, which makes up 60% of the vineyards. Other varietals include Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and minimal amounts of Mazuela, Macabeo, and Chardonnay.
Winemaking and Viticulture Philosophy
Bodegas Borsao unveiled their new state-of-the-art winery in 2020, built to guarantee maximum product quality under strict sustainability policies over 132,000 square meters. Elements of the winery include a reservoir for rainwater (allowing 100% of the water that falls on the building to be retrieved and recycled) and an adjacent area with solar panels, providing most of the electricity needed for lighting and operations.
Winemaking techniques aim to preserve the characteristics of Garnacha from the region at all price points and quality levels. Harvest is carried out manually in key vineyards and transported in 20-kg cases. The winery uses a significant 1 million frigories cooling capacity to preserve the characteristics of the fruit. Oak is used moderately to tame and add complexity to the wines, rather than impose its presence on them. The use of oak is adapted to the final style of the wine: different origins, both new and used wood, and different sizes help to round out the expression of the wines.
Winery Profile
Winemaker: Marta Chicote
Total acreage under vine: 5584
Founded: 2001