Campo de Borja

Over 5,000 hectares of Grenache vineyards are planted in the DO Campo de Borja. The origins of grape cultivation in the region go back to Roman times. Nonetheless, the activity did not become widespread until Medieval times, when the Cistertian Monks who founded Monasterio de Veruela planted vines allov er the region. The Designation of Origin Campo de Borja was legally approved in 1980.

Located 65 kilometres northwest of Zaragoza, south of the province of Navarra, the DO Campo de Borja spreads over the Ebro river basin. It is divided in two zones: Llanos de Plasencia to the south, and Ribera del Huecha to the north. The vineyards are at altitudes between 350 and 750 metres above sea level. Made principally of sand and rocks, the soils are moderately rich and have a good drainage.

The region has an extreme Continental climate. Long, dry summers, cold winters, and springs with frequent frosts and hails. Average precipitation per year is quite low. Another key factor is the Cierzo, a dry, cold northern wind which acts as a natural sanitizing agent.

The DO Campo de Borja has over 2,000 hectares of old Grenache vineyards. Because of that fact, most of the red wines from Campo de Borja have Grenache as its main component. The variety is sometime blended with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Merlot. The resulting wines are intense, deep and complex.

As for the DO Campo de Borja white wines, they are mostly made from Macabeo and Chardonnay. They are intense, fresh and gently aromatic.

The rosés are, again, typically made from Grenache, and they are fruit-driven and floral.

Red wine varieties:

Grenache, Tempranillo, Carignan, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache Tintorera.

White wine varities:

Macabeo, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Moscatel de Alejandría, Chardonnay, White Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo.