LAS ROCAS Garnacha `Viñas Viejas` DO Calatayud 2007 Producer Bodegas San Alejandro is a co-operative with 1,200 hectares of vineyard in Calatayud, 87 km southwest of Zaragoza in northeastern Spain. The vineyards and long growing season in this area attracted French consultant Jean-Marc Lafage and his team (of Château Saint Roch, in the Roussillon). They were so impressed by the quality of the fruit coming into this co-op from its 350 growers, that they decided to develop their own wine, Las Rocas. Garnacha is particularly well suited to the vineyards here, as is illustrated by the quality of both the wines they make from this fine variety. Vineyards The Vinas Viejas is a selection of fruit from old vines with an average age of 80 years. They are bush-trained and grown between 800-1100m above sea level. This allows for a long growing season and ripe but balanced grapes. The harvest took place in October. Vinification The grapes underwent a cold soak prior to fermentation. After fermentation the wine remained on the skins for a further 21 days to extract the right levels of ripe tannins from the skins. Ageing took place for 11 months in small oak barrels of which 60% were American oak and the rest French. Tasting Notes 80 year old vines give concentration and power to this rich red, fruitdriven wine. The nose is open, loaded with spice and cassis, with a full body and warming, spicy palate. Smooth Grenache tannins gently support the long, ripe finish. Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £91.22 (Including VAT at 20%)