Las Rocas Garnacha

Las Rocas Garnacha is a full-bodied Spanish red wine made from 100% old-vine Garnacha grapes, bottled at 14.8% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from vines aged 70 to 100 years old in the high-altitude vineyards of Calatayud, this bottling earned 90 points from Wine Spectator for its 2017 vintage and a Gold medal from the International Wine Challenge the same year.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.8%  |  Origin: Calatayud, Aragón, Spain  |  Old Vine Garnacha  |  Producer: Bodegas San Alejandro

Production & Heritage

Bodegas San Alejandro is a cooperative winery based in the Calatayud Denomination of Origin in Aragón, northeastern Spain. The Las Rocas Garnacha draws exclusively from old-vine Garnacha parcels planted between 70 and 100 years ago on the region's rocky, high-altitude slopes — terrain that naturally limits yields and concentrates flavor. The fruit undergoes a 15-day fermentation and maceration in concrete vats at a controlled temperature of 22–24°C, after which portions of the wine are aged in oak barrels. This partial oak treatment distinguishes Las Rocas from simpler Calatayud Garnachas that see only stainless steel, adding structure and complexity while keeping the fruit character front and center.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe blackberry and black cherry dominate the nose, followed by a savory layer of dried plum and licorice. Underneath, subtle earthy and mineral notes emerge alongside a faint peppery spice.

Taste: The entry is plush and generous, with concentrated dark cherry and currant fruit coating the palate. At mid-palate, well-integrated tannins provide firm structure while flavors of raspberry, black pepper, and a measured dose of oak add dimension. Acidity stays taut throughout, keeping the wine focused despite its density and power.

Finish: Medium-long and savory, with lingering mineral, licorice, and dried fruit impressions. A subtle bitterness and peppery warmth close out the experience cleanly.

How to Drink Las Rocas

At 14.8% ABV, this is a bold wine that rewards a slight chill — try it at around 60–64°F to keep the fruit vibrant without muting the earthy complexity. A few minutes of air in a wide-bowled glass will soften the tannins and open the aromatics.

• Kalimotxo: The wine's dense fruit and firm acidity stand up well in this Spanish classic of red wine and cola, where its earthy undertones add sophistication.
• Red Wine Sangria: Las Rocas brings ripe berry concentration and spice that hold their own against citrus, brandy, and fruit additions.
• Paired neat alongside a charcuterie board: The savory, mineral-driven profile makes it an ideal standalone pour with cured meats and aged cheeses.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a serious but affordable Spanish red
• Introducing friends to old-vine Garnacha from a lesser-known Spanish region
• Building a cellar of high-value Iberian wines
• Pairing with hearty autumn and winter meals like braised meats or stews

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Las Rocas taste like? Las Rocas delivers concentrated black cherry, currant, and blackberry fruit layered with savory earth, mineral, black pepper, and a touch of licorice from partial oak aging. It is full-bodied and dense but balanced by firm acidity and well-integrated tannins.

How does Las Rocas compare to Evodia Garnacha? Both wines are 100% Garnacha from old vines in Calatayud, and both are imported by Eric Solomon, but Las Rocas sees partial oak aging while Evodia is fermented entirely in stainless steel. As a result, Las Rocas tends to be denser, more structured, and more complex, whereas Evodia leans brighter and more fruit-forward.

Is Las Rocas good for drinking neat? Yes — its layered tasting profile, balanced tannins, and 90-point Wine Spectator rating make it well-suited for sipping on its own, especially with a few minutes of aeration in the glass.

Where is Las Rocas made? Las Rocas is produced by Bodegas San Alejandro in the Calatayud Denomination of Origin, located in the Aragón region of northeastern Spain. The vineyards sit at high altitude on rocky, arid slopes that stress the vines and concentrate the fruit.

What foods pair well with Las Rocas? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's earthy, peppery character. Chorizo and manchego play into its Spanish roots. Braised short ribs match its weight and dark fruit. Roasted root vegetables echo the mineral and savory notes. Dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage mirrors the wine's bitter, concentrated finish.

What sizes does Las Rocas come in? Las Rocas Garnacha is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Las Rocas worth the price? Las Rocas positions as a value-tier to mid-range Spanish red that consistently punches above its weight — a 90-point Wine Spectator score and Gold at the International Wine Challenge from old-vine fruit make it one of the stronger values in Garnacha from Calatayud.

Why Las Rocas?

Old-vine Garnacha from 70- to 100-year-old plantings is a resource that cannot be replicated quickly, and Las Rocas channels that material into a wine with genuine complexity at a fraction of what comparable old-vine bottlings from other regions command. The partial oak aging sets it apart from entry-level Calatayud Garnachas, adding structural depth without overwhelming the grape's natural dark fruit and mineral character. Backed by a 90-point Wine Spectator rating and an International Wine Challenge Gold medal, Las Rocas delivers verified critical recognition alongside real drinking pleasure. For anyone seeking a bold, terroir-driven Spanish red with serious vine age behind it, this remains one of Calatayud's most compelling bottles.