Alberto Orte La Antigua Clásico Rioja DOCa Reserva 2014

Winemaker Alberto Orte is “a force to be reckoned with” in Spain as a young and upcoming winemaker, making waves by discovering new areas with exceptional terroir as well as reviving nearly extinct indigenous grape varietals before they are forgotten. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the largely unexplored area of Sierra de la Demanda in Rioja - a rugged, high altitude region that stays cooler than the valley floor, allowing grapes to ripen slowly which results in an exceptionally elegant and balanced wine. After 3 years in barrel, the wine ages for an additional 10 months before it is released. Focused and concentrated, this wine showcases red fruits, tobacco, spice notes and a slight florality, all classic hallmarks of Rioja. Integrated, smooth tannins make for a lovely mouthfeel and are a natural pairing with dishes such as braised or stewed meat, duck, or grilled mushrooms. Organically grown, biodynamically grown, sustainably grown, low-intervention/natural wine.