Tasting notes: ZARIHS Shiraz by Borsao
ZARIHS Shiraz by Borsao. Intense aromas of ripe black fruits, sweet blackcurrant with hints of coffee and warm vanilla. The palate has wild blackberries, toasty oak and black pepper notes. Rich and powerful yet with good balancing acidity and a long serious finish.
Food Match:
Typically serve with roasted and grilled lamb or beef, but can also good with pork belly and duck.
Producer/Region:
Syrah was planted over 22 years ago in the foothills of the Moncayo, 600-700m above sea level. The vines take full advantage of their position – limestone soil, sun and the Cierzo wind which blows from the north-west to freshen the grapes. The grapes are macerated for 4-5 days. And then fermentation takes place for 15-20 days in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. 60% remains in stainless steel, whilst the other 40% matures in new American oak for 12 months.
The winery was established as a co-operative in 1959. In 2001 it joined with two other progressive, co-operative, cellars in the Campo de Borja region to become the Bodegas Borsao that we know today.
Winemaking:
Grapes are sourced from over 375 member growers covering 2,400 hectares – nearly a third of the region’s total. Vineyards lie in the undulating foothills of the Moncayo mountain, ranging from around 350m to 800m above sea level. At lower altitudes vines are younger and may require some irrigation. But higher up the slopes the vines are older, unirrigated bush vines.
The climate is rather severe and arid, with hot dry days, and cool nights – which allow optimium acidity levels to be maintained within the grapes. Garnacha thrives in these conditions and represents 65% of total production. The Cierzo wind from the Moncayo sweeps across the foothills of the mountain. This cold, dry wind reduces humidity levels and allows grapes to be picked a couple of weeks later in the harvest, at full maturity.
Borsao has access to a large number of vineyard plots at different altitudes, and hence to a wide selection of fantastic quality grapes. They are recognised for their entry level varietals. As outstanding examples of easy-to-drink inexpensive wines – as they are for their premium wines, in particular the iconic, multi award winning Tres Picos.
