Altos R Gran Reserva 2018
Flavor Profile
A perfectly mature, full-bodied Tempranillo with layered tones of cherry, leather and oak spice, Altos R Gran Reserva Rioja is a special release from Rioja—Spain's premier wine region—and top cellar Altos de Rioja.
And when we say "top," we mean it in every sense of the word.
Founded by Château Haut Brion-trained winemaker Jean-Marc Sauboua and led today by head winemaker Amaia Amestoy, Altos is known for its quality-driven approach and has won literally hundreds of awards to prove it. But it also works with vineyards that are among the highest in the Rioja Alavesa appellation, between 1,900 and 2,300 feet above sea level.
This wine was sourced from 40–80 year-old bush vines near the town of Elvillar, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa sub-region, at just about 2,000 feet up. After careful hand selection, the grapes were destemmed, crushed and cold macerated, fermented and then aged in a mix of French and American oak for 24 long months.
Now several years old, it’s really hitting its stride. Its deep red color rimmed by ruby tones is immediately striking, but we recommend a brief decant to get the full flavor experience.
It’ll be worth the wait: You can expect a complexity of fruit, toast and earthen characteristics buoyed by balsamic nuances—all a great match for red meat, grilled lamb and cured cheeses.
Our stocks of this Gran Reserva are limited. Don’t wait to order yours.
A perfectly mature, full-bodied Tempranillo with layered tones of cherry, leather and oak spice, Altos R Gran Reserva Rioja is a special release from Rioja—Spain's premier wine region—and top cellar Altos de Rioja.
And when we say "top," we mean it in every sense of the word.
Founded by Château Haut Brion-trained winemaker Jean-Marc Sauboua and led today by head winemaker Amaia Amestoy, Altos is known for its quality-driven approach and has won literally hundreds of awards to prove it. But it also works with vineyards that are among the highest in the Rioja Alavesa appellation, between 1,900 and 2,300 feet above sea level.
This wine was sourced from 40–80 year-old bush vines near the town of Elvillar, in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa sub-region, at just about 2,000 feet up. After careful hand selection, the grapes were destemmed, crushed and cold macerated, fermented and then aged in a mix of French and American oak for 24 long months.
Now several years old, it’s really hitting its stride. Its deep red color rimmed by ruby tones is immediately striking, but we recommend a brief decant to get the full flavor experience.
It’ll be worth the wait: You can expect a complexity of fruit, toast and earthen characteristics buoyed by balsamic nuances—all a great match for red meat, grilled lamb and cured cheeses.
Our stocks of this Gran Reserva are limited. Don’t wait to order yours.
Master of Wine Tim Atkin
