Bodegas Frontonio Microcósmico Garnacha

Introduction to Bodegas Frontonio

Bodegas Frontonio, founded by Fernando Mora, a Master of Wine, and Mario López, a respected oenologist, is a beacon of modern viticulture innovation. Nestled in the lesser-known IGP Valdejalón zone of Aragón, Spain, this winery revives traditional winemaking with a clear mission—emphasizing the rich, untapped potential of old-vine Garnacha.

Winery & Techniques

The winery is uniquely situated in a 200-year-old renovated house with a distinctive underground cave system that enhances winemaking through natural temperature and humidity control. This gravity-fed facility allows grapes to be handled with remarkable gentleness, minimizing stress on the fruit during processing. The winemaking philosophy here embodies minimal intervention, organic practices (since 2017), and a meticulous parcel-by-parcel vinification approach. Each vineyard parcel is vinified separately to capture the purest expression of its terroir before skillfully blending to achieve the desired profile.

The Microcósmico Garnacha

Part of the “Microcósmico” range, this wine is crafted to express regional typicity, showcasing the essence of village-level terroir. Using 100% Garnacha Tinta harvested from high-altitude old vines, this wine reflects the combination of rich limestone, slate, and clay-limestone soil compositions from around Épila.

Winemaking Process

The grapes for Microcósmico Garnacha are hand-picked early to maintain the optimal balance of freshness and acidity essential for a vibrant wine profile. After manual harvest, fermentation is spontaneous, utilizing native yeasts in concrete tanks, which allows for subtle oxygenation and sustains fruit purity. The wine is aged for 7 to 10 months in concrete vats. This aging process allows for microoxygenation which refines tannins without overpowering the grape’s natural character.

Tasting Profile

Microcósmico Garnacha reveals a captivating pale ruby/garnet color. The aromatics are dominated by bright flavors of fresh raspberries and strawberries, supported by delicate hints of white pepper and a pronounced mineral quality that speaks to the unique terroir and non-interventionist winemaking approach.
On the palate, it offers a dry wine with refreshing acidity, moderate fine tannins, and a medium body. The texture is both muscular and elegant, delivering a blend that is sophisticated yet approachable. The wine’s finish is pleasantly long and smooth with a floral and mineral-infused aftertaste.

Food Pairing & Versatility

This wine is extremely versatile with food pairings, excelling with grilled poultry, game birds like quail and duck breast, roasted vegetables, charcuterie boards, and semi-hard cheeses. Its balanced acidity makes it an excellent companion for contemporary and richer dishes alike.

Conclusion

Bodegas Frontonio Microcósmico Garnacha showcases the revival of Spanish Garnacha, focusing on elegance over power, and authenticity over commercial prevalence. Its recognition continues to grow, marking it as an essential exploration for both connoisseurs and newcomers to refined Spanish wines.