Grenache is one of the world's most widely planted grapes, producing a unique expression wherever it is grown. It is particularly common in Spain (where it is called Garnacha) and in Sardinia (where it is called Canonnau), but it is most closely associated with the southern Rhône where it must comprise at least 40% of the blend (50% for Côtes du Rhône-Villages). In the Rhône's most famous village, Châteuneuf du Pape, 70% of the vines are in fact Grenache! The grape particularly thrives in Châteauneuf's warm climate and rocky soil where it yields soft, medium-colored wines that are full-bodied with deep notes of strawberry and raspberry.

Many of Châteuneuf du Pape's characteristics are evident in the wines from Campo de Borja, Spain, which also has a warm climate and stony soil. Châteuneuf is particularly known for the stones (galets) that dot the vineyards and are thought to absorb the heat of the sun during the day and radiate that heat back up to the vines during the night. Campo de Borja's similar stones sit atop loam over limestone, some chalk, and iron-rich soil that provide good drainage.

Campo de Borja is located just south of the River Ebro, at the southeastern boundary of Rioja. There are only 17 wineries here, although some of them are large cooperatives, the best known of which is Borsao. Campo de Borja is part of the region of Aragon, the home of Henry VIII of England's first wife, Catherine, and her mother, Spain's famous Queen Isabella. Campo de Borja once belonged to the Borja family, one of Spain's most famous noble clans. You'll recognize the name when you read the Italianized version – Borgia.  Borja Popes and their infamous relatives had great influence throughout Renaissance Europe. Winemaking predates the Borja family by several centuries. Documentation from the Veruela Monastery indicates that wines were being made in Campo de Borja by the late 12th century. The Cistercian monks of Veruela worked these and surrounding vineyards. 

Masia de Bielsa is a small facility making great wines at great prices. The old vines (45 year minimum) are farmed organically. The galets soil (seen in the foreground of the picture) provides excellent drainage and good concentration to the wines, while the head-pruned vines (seen in the background) naturally produce lower yields of more flavorful grapes. The lovely Vinas Viejas (old vines) cuvée has earthy and rustic notes and lots of character. It saw no oak (or oak chips, as the case may be!) and displays pure, clean framboise-like red fruit and earth. There is a dustiness to the mouthfeel, but no astringency at all. It can be served cool or at room temperature and is the perfect wine for BBQ. The 2007 won the San Francisco International Wine Competition's "Best Grenache" award.