Calatayud benefits from a continental climate with vast temperature differences between night and day. Harvests are much later than in other parts of Aragon (the region in which Calatayud lies) and the acidity/maturity/alcohol ratios tend to be more balanced. As most of the vineyards lie on what was (thousands of years ago) an old river basin, the soil is comprised of brown limestone and loam over slate and gypsum. This particular soil is also quite good for production of olives, cherries, and other fruits.

The talented Jean-Marc Lafage (of Domaine Lafage in France’s Roussillon) is responsible for the majority of the bottlings imported by European Cellars including the Las Rocas cuvees. Working in concert with Eric Solomon, Jean-Marc has helped to convince the directors of the coop to bottle some of the extremely old-vine material separately and has helped enormously with attaining proper maturity levels, extraction, and balance.

		Reviews: "The 2006 Las Rocas Garnacha is dark crimson-colored with an alluring nose of spice box, mineral, black cherry, and black raspberry. Smooth-textured, round, and with no hard edges, this tasty effort is designed for immediate gratification. This is one worth buying by the case. The grapes for Las Rocas are sourced from high altitude 70-100 year old Garnacha vineyards." -Rated 91, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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