2012 Borsao Tres Picos

The terrific 2012 Tres Picos is one of the finest inexpensive, Grenache-based wines made in the world. This full-bodied beauty boasts a deep ruby color as well as loads of strawberry and black cherry fruit, hints of lavender and crushed rocks, sweet tannin, and a broad, savory mouthfeel. It, too, should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. This has long been a popular source for value-priced wines. Founded in 1958 in the appellation of Campo de Borja, Borsao owns a whopping 3,706 acres of vineyards planted at elevations of 1,300 to 2,300 feet above sea level. The soils are primarily limestone-based and the area is highly reputed for old vine Grenache, but there is also Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah planted as well as a few white varietals. Bodegas Borsao’s flagship offering is Tres Picos. Made from 100% Grenache from yields of less than two tons of fruit per acre, these chalky vineyards are planted at a 2,000 foot plus altitude on the hillsides of the Moncayo Mountains. The harvest is all done by hand, and the wine is aged in a combination of stainless steel and French oak for ten months prior to bottling. If you have not yet discovered the great values of Bodegas Borsao, it’s about time you do. Importer: Jorge Ordonez Selections,Dedham, MA; tel. (781) 461-5767: email:corporate@jorgeordonez.com