Alto Moncayo Locos Por El Vino Gruñón Garnacha-Shiraz 2018

IntroductionAlto Moncayo Locos Por El Vino Gruñón Garnacha-Shiraz 2018 is a testament to the passionate and innovative winemaking from the Alto Moncayo winery, nestled in the rugged Campo de Borja region of Aragon, Spain. This unique blend combines the region’s ancient, high-altitude Garnacha vines with the expressive character of Shiraz. “Gruñón,” meaning “grumpy” or “grumbler,” hints at the often-challenging, dry conditions of the vineyards, which paradoxically yield grapes of incredible concentration and intensity. The 2018 vintage, known for its superb quality in the region, allows this wine to showcase a rich, opulent style that balances power with finesse, reflecting the winery’s dedication to maximizing the potential of this distinctive Spanish terroir.Character DescriptionThe Alto Moncayo Locos Por El Vino Gruñón Garnacha-Shiraz 2018 presents a deep, almost impenetrable ruby-purple hue, indicative of its profound concentration. It offers an intensely aromatic and complex bouquet of ripe black fruits—blackberry, dark plum, and blueberry—interwoven with exotic notes of sweet spices, cocoa, espresso, and a subtle hint of balsamic and toasted oak. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and exceptionally rich texture, with layers of dark fruit and savory flavors mirroring the nose. It’s supported by plush yet well-structured tannins that provide a velvety mouthfeel and a long finish, balanced by a vibrant acidity that maintains freshness despite its intensity. The finish is exceptionally long, powerful, and nuanced, leaving a lingering impression of dark chocolate, licorice, and the distinctive character of this bold Spanish blend.Perfect PairingsThis unique and powerful blend is an exceptional pairing for robust and hearty dishes. It beautifully complements slow-cooked braised meats, such as beef short ribs, lamb shanks, or wild boar ragù. It also enhances dishes with rich sauces, smoked paprika, and grilled red meats. Its intensity and complex flavors make it an ideal choice for aged, strong cheeses like mature Manchego or hard, savory Pecorino. Its expressive character makes it a perfect wine for celebratory meals, a special evening, or for those who appreciate a full-bodied, adventurous red. Decanting for at least an hour is highly recommended to allow its full expression.About the WineryAlto Moncayo is a celebrated Spanish winery established in 2002, located in the Campo de Borja DO, known for its exceptional Garnacha (Grenache) wines. The winery is a collaboration that brings together expertise from several renowned figures in the wine world, including winemaker Chris Ringland. Their philosophy centers on harnessing the power and purity of old-vine Garnacha, often blended with other varietals like Shiraz, from vineyards situated at high altitudes around the Moncayo mountain. They employ meticulous vineyard management and precise winemaking techniques to craft wines of incredible concentration, intensity, and aromatic complexity. The Locos Por El Vino Gruñón Garnacha-Shiraz 2018 is a true representation of Alto Moncayo’s dedication to exploring the extreme potential of its terroir, pushing boundaries, and consistently delivering wines that showcase the raw essence and bold beauty of Spanish viticulture.