Fagus 2023

Fagus is a Garnacha from D.O. Campo de Borja in Aragón, northwest of Zaragoza, made by Bodegas Aragonesas, a winery known for the quality of its varietal Garnacha. The fruit comes from old vines between 40 and 50 years old, which crop little and concentrate flavour and tannin in each cluster. Campo de Borja is a warm, dry region at the foot of the Moncayo massif, and Garnacha thrives in its stony soils, ripening to full sugar and ripe, fleshy fruit. The must ferments at 28 degrees, a controlled temperature that extracts colour and fruit without harsh tannin, and malolactic fermentation follows, which converts sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid and gives the wine a rounder, creamier feel. It then ages nine months in French oak, where gentle oxygen exchange polishes the tannins and adds a measured spice. The colour is deep cherry red. The nose shows ripe plum and cherry with red berry, a peppery, herbal lift and a touch of vanilla, and the palate is full and warm, with concentrated fruit, soft tannin and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits grilled lamb, roast pork and beef.