Frontonio 'Microcosmico' Garnacha, Valdejalón, Aragon, Spain 2023
Bodegas Frontonio is the personal project of Fernando Mora MW, one of Spain's few Masters of Wine and a rising star in the winemaking world. Originally an engineer working in renewable energy, Mora famously began his winemaking journey by fermenting grapes in a bathtub and became a Master of Wine in record time, passing all exams on his first attempt. Founded in 2010 alongside oenologist Mario López and lawyer Francisco Latasa, Frontonio is dedicated to recovering and showcasing old-vine Garnacha from the historically overlooked Valdejalón region. The winery operates from a restored 200-year-old underground cave system spanning three levels, utilizing gravity-flow winemaking and natural temperature regulation. Mora's Master of Wine research paper, which won the Quinta Do Noval prize, focused on old-vine classification in Campo de Borja, demonstrating his commitment to preserving Aragón's ancient vineyards and elevating the region's reputation on the global stage.
- WINEMAKER: Fernando Mora MW, Mario López, Francisco Latasa
- FARMING: Certified Organic (certified 2017). Hand-harvesting exclusively, dry-farmed old bush vines cultivated with ecological principles, minimal intervention philosophy.
- VARIETY: 100% Garnacha from 60+ year-old bush vines
- TERROIR: Village of Jarque in the IGP Valdejalón, Aragon. The historically underappreciated Valdejalón sits at the center of a triangle formed by Campo de Borja, Cariñena, and Calatayud appellations. The region, located around the River Jalón, has a Mediterranean climate with significant diurnal temperature variation and limited rainfall. Vineyards planted on steep slopes with slate and clay soils at 650-700 meters elevation. The high-altitude, north-facing exposition slows ripening and preserves natural acidity, allowing the vines to escape some of the intense summer heat while maintaining freshness. Old Garnacha vines are naturally adapted to the dry, barren terrain and cope exceptionally well with drought conditions.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts. 20-25% whole clusters foot-trodden using traditional methods. Fermentation in cement tanks with extended maceration. The winemaking philosophy embraces minimal intervention, allowing the wine to dictate the process without imposed rules.
- AGING: 7 months maturation in underground concrete vats on fine lees. Bottled September 2024. 24,978 bottles produced.
- TASTING NOTES: Bright cherry color with purple hues. The wine displays remarkable freshness and purity with a showy nose showing ripeness without excess. Aromas of wild red berries, raspberries, red cherries, floral notes, forest floor, and subtle spice. Varietal and juicy on the palate with expressive red fruit character balanced by vibrant acidity. Fine, chalky tannins provide elegant structure without weight, creating a crunchy, textural mouthfeel. The wine shows complexity and depth beyond entry-level Garnacha, with a dry, clean, mineral-driven finish. Moderate 12.5% alcohol (pH 3.21, 5.9g/L acidity) contributes to the wine's refreshing, energetic profile that emphasizes elegance over power.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled red meats, roasted lamb, charcuterie boards, spicy chorizo, patatas bravas, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego cheese, wood-fired pizza, tapas selections, grilled vegetables. Can be served with a slight chill for enhanced refreshment.
- SCORES: Wine Advocate: 93/100 (Luis Gutiérrez, November 2024)
Frontonio 'Microcosmico' Garnacha, Valdejalón, Aragon, Spain 2023
Bodegas Frontonio is the personal project of Fernando Mora MW, one of Spain's few Masters of Wine and a rising star in the winemaking world. Originally an engineer working in renewable energy, Mora famously began his winemaking journey by fermenting grapes in a bathtub and became a Master of Wine in record time, passing all exams on his first attempt. Founded in 2010 alongside oenologist Mario López and lawyer Francisco Latasa, Frontonio is dedicated to recovering and showcasing old-vine Garnacha from the historically overlooked Valdejalón region. The winery operates from a restored 200-year-old underground cave system spanning three levels, utilizing gravity-flow winemaking and natural temperature regulation. Mora's Master of Wine research paper, which won the Quinta Do Noval prize, focused on old-vine classification in Campo de Borja, demonstrating his commitment to preserving Aragón's ancient vineyards and elevating the region's reputation on the global stage.
- WINEMAKER: Fernando Mora MW, Mario López, Francisco Latasa
- FARMING: Certified Organic (certified 2017). Hand-harvesting exclusively, dry-farmed old bush vines cultivated with ecological principles, minimal intervention philosophy.
- VARIETY: 100% Garnacha from 60+ year-old bush vines
- TERROIR: Village of Jarque in the IGP Valdejalón, Aragon. The historically underappreciated Valdejalón sits at the center of a triangle formed by Campo de Borja, Cariñena, and Calatayud appellations. The region, located around the River Jalón, has a Mediterranean climate with significant diurnal temperature variation and limited rainfall. Vineyards planted on steep slopes with slate and clay soils at 650-700 meters elevation. The high-altitude, north-facing exposition slows ripening and preserves natural acidity, allowing the vines to escape some of the intense summer heat while maintaining freshness. Old Garnacha vines are naturally adapted to the dry, barren terrain and cope exceptionally well with drought conditions.
- VINIFICATION: Grapes hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts. 20-25% whole clusters foot-trodden using traditional methods. Fermentation in cement tanks with extended maceration. The winemaking philosophy embraces minimal intervention, allowing the wine to dictate the process without imposed rules.
- AGING: 7 months maturation in underground concrete vats on fine lees. Bottled September 2024. 24,978 bottles produced.
- TASTING NOTES: Bright cherry color with purple hues. The wine displays remarkable freshness and purity with a showy nose showing ripeness without excess. Aromas of wild red berries, raspberries, red cherries, floral notes, forest floor, and subtle spice. Varietal and juicy on the palate with expressive red fruit character balanced by vibrant acidity. Fine, chalky tannins provide elegant structure without weight, creating a crunchy, textural mouthfeel. The wine shows complexity and depth beyond entry-level Garnacha, with a dry, clean, mineral-driven finish. Moderate 12.5% alcohol (pH 3.21, 5.9g/L acidity) contributes to the wine's refreshing, energetic profile that emphasizes elegance over power.
- FOOD PAIRINGS: Grilled red meats, roasted lamb, charcuterie boards, spicy chorizo, patatas bravas, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego cheese, wood-fired pizza, tapas selections, grilled vegetables. Can be served with a slight chill for enhanced refreshment.
- SCORES: Wine Advocate: 93/100 (Luis Gutiérrez, November 2024)