Borsao Berola 2019

Borsao Berola is made in D.O. Campo de Borja in Aragón, by a winery central to the appellation's rise. The blend is Garnacha and Syrah, with the Garnacha from old vines between 35 and 60 years old and the Syrah from younger plantings, both grown at 600 to 700 metres on clay-limestone and loamy soils. The altitude brings cool nights and a wide diurnal range that hold acidity and freshness, while the warm Aragón climate ripens the fruit fully and accounts for the 15 percent alcohol and the rich, intense style. Old, low-yielding Garnacha gives concentration and ripe red and dark fruit, and the Syrah adds colour, pepper and structure. Ageing for fourteen months in French and American oak rounds the tannins through slow oxygen exchange and adds spice and a touch of sweetness. The colour is deep cherry. The nose shows ripe black cherry and plum over black pepper, liquorice, cocoa and dried herbs. The palate is full and warm, with ripe rounded tannin and a long spiced finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant an hour ahead. It suits grilled lamb and beef.