Bodegas Frontonio 'Botijo Rojo' Single Estate Garnacha, Valdejalón, Spain 2022

Bodegas Frontonio ‘Botijo Rojo’ Single Estate Garnacha, Valdejalón IGP, Aragón, Spain

Named after the traditional clay water jug still used in rural Spain, “El Botijo” represents Fernando Mora MW and Mario López’s mission to craft authentic Garnacha from old family vineyards in Aragón. What began as a garage project is now one of Spain’s most exciting natural-leaning estates.

• WINEMAKER: Fernando Mora MW and Mario López.

• FARMING: Certified Organic; dry-farmed vineyards.

• VARIETY: 100% Garnacha from 20–50 year old vines.

• TERROIR: Las Cellas vineyard, Valdejalón IGP (Aragón). Clay and sandstone soils with surface pebbles. Hot, dry climate moderated by altitude; vines hand-harvested.

• VINIFICATION: Native yeast fermentation in stainless steel, with ~10% whole cluster. Malolactic in old concrete vessels.

• AGING: Ten months in underground concrete tanks.

• TASTING NOTES: Medium-bodied and fruit-driven, showing red and white fruit notes with a touch of licorice. Fresh acidity and fine tannins balance Garnacha’s natural ripeness. A mix of juicy approachability and savory complexity, finishing bright and tense.

• FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled lamb, roasted pork, paella with rabbit, charred vegetables, and jamón ibérico.

• SCORES: 90+ pts, Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez): “Fruit-driven but with good complexity… medium-bodied, fine tannins, and a fruit-driven finish with good tension.”