New research from DO Campo de Borja has provided scientific proof that old vine Garnacha produces wines with greater aging potential and stronger site-specific character compared to grapes from younger vineyards. The findings, presented at the Old Vine Conference’s Meeting of the Minds 2025 in northern California, conclude the region’s four-year Garnachas Históricas project, carried out in collaboration with the Universities of Zaragoza and Navarra and several local wineries.
Led by Professor Vicente Ferreira at Zaragoza’s Aroma Analysis Laboratory, the study compared grapes from vines aged 30 to 90 years with those from younger plots. The older vines consistently produced wines with more aromatic complexity, richer phenolic structure, and clearer expressions of terroir. Ferreira noted that, while wines from young vines were quite similar, those from older vineyards showed distinct differences based on their location.
A parallel study by the University of Navarra tackled the challenge of verifying vine age. Using aerial photos from 1956, growth measurements, and genetic analysis of rootstocks, researchers developed a reliable method for estimating age. They found that vines grow about 1.55cm annually, offering a new standard for dating vineyards globally.
Dr Laura Catena, who moderated the session, highlighted that this research confirms through science what many winemakers have known from experience, that old vines yield superior wines. She praised the methodology as a foundation for global vineyard certification. Sarah Abbott MW, co-founder of the Old Vine Conference, said the findings support long-held beliefs about the superior quality and character of old vine wines and strengthen the case for their preservation.
