High-Altitude Heat: Alto Moncayo Veratón Garnacha 2021

Tasting Notes

Opaque ruby-black with a scarlet rim. Initially closed, it unfurls into aromas of black raspberry, blackberry-blueberry bramble, incense, mint and tar. On the palate: rich, concentrated fruit layered with licorice, molasses, eucalyptus and dark chocolate. Fine-grain, chalky tannins anchor structure while acidity keeps it fresh. Long, warm, and lingering. 

Meet the Winemaker

Bodegas Alto Moncayo, founded by ex‑Ringland Grenache obsessive José Luis Chueca (with Chris Ringland heritage), crafts Veratón from high-altitude, windswept vineyards planted in the 1970s in Tabuenca/Borja. It’s all old-vine Garnacha, hand‑selected and barrel‑aged for serious structure—this is Spanish power tempered with terroir finesse. 

Wine Specs

• Varietal: 100% old-vine Garnacha (30–50‑year‑old vines) 

• Vintage: 2021

• Region: Campo de Borja DO, Aragon, Spain (elevations ~500–600 m, iron/rusty calcareous soils) 

• Aging: 16 months in French & American oak (80% new barrels, 225 L/300 L) after 7–8 day maceration; malolactic fermentation 

• ABV: ~15.5% 

• Bottle Size: 750 ml

• Serving Temp: 16–18 °C; decant recommended to reveal finesse

Critic Reviews

• Wine Spectator: 91 pts — “Vanilla, licorice, dried mint, incense and tar… medium‑ to full‑bodied… lightly chalky tannins. Drink now through 2031.” 

• General Consensus: Frequently listed among the top 5 wines of Campo de Borja and praised for its purity, concentration, and structure.

Food Pairings

• Grilled lamb chops or beef tagine

• Herb‑crusted pork or roasted game

• Rich tomato-based pastas or pappardelle ragu

• Aged Manchego or bold chèvre with olives & charred peppers

Why You Need This Bottle

This is what modern old-vine Garnacha should taste like: intense fruit, spice-laced depth, structure and high-altitude tension—all from a region punching well above its weight. Veratón 2021 is bold, textured, and built for the long haul (and the fun haul, too).

Up your Garnacha game with Alto Moncayo Veratón garnacha 2021. Add to Cart now—free shipping when applicable or with club perks included. Sip bright, sip bold, sip Spanish heat with heritage.