Wines Campo de Borja Bodegas Alto Moncayo - Aquilon - 2012

Bodegas Alto Moncayo’s Cuvée Aquilon 2012, from the Campo de Borja appellation in Aragon, is a red wine crafted to embody both power and elegance. While the precise varietal blend is not specified, the region is renowned for producing robust reds, typically showcasing the Garnacha (Grenache) grape. Vines in this area, often many decades old, tend to yield rich, concentrated fruit, resulting in wines of notable depth. The 2012 vintage, aged carefully in bottle, will likely exhibit a harmonious balance between ripe dark fruit, subtle spice, and well-integrated oak, underpinned by a generous but refined tannic structure.

Campo de Borja is nestled in the foothills of the Moncayo mountain range in Aragon, north-eastern Spain. This region benefits from a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters, and the distinctive ‘cierzo’ wind that helps maintain the health and maturity of the vineyards. The soils are characteristically stony and poor in nutrients, ideal for producing low yields of high-quality grapes. The region's winemaking traditions trace back centuries, but it is in recent decades that Campo de Borja has become internationally recognised, with Garnacha thriving in these conditions and producing flavourful, aromatic wines with impressive ageing potential.

With its likely sumptuous, full-bodied profile and complex layers, this wine would pair beautifully with robust dishes. Traditional Aragonese specialties, such as slow-roasted lamb or stews featuring local game, accentuate the wine’s depth. Alternatively, hearty Mediterranean fare like grilled aubergines, Manchego cheese, or mushroom ragouts are excellent companions, as are rich, spiced dishes or mature hard cheeses which can complement the wine’s structure.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 16-18°C. Decanting for up to an hour will help unlock the evolved bouquet and allow the complex flavours to unfold gracefully. This is a wine that will undoubtedly enhance any special meal or occasion, rewarding careful cellaring and thoughtful pairing.