deAlto, Tradicional, Rioja Reserva, DOC

Remarkable black fruit notes with spices, smoky and subtle nuances of vanilla, toffee and tobacco deAlto is beautifully balanced and offers layers of red berry fruits on the palate, laced with vanilla and hints of mocha and liquorice.

The Tempranillo and Garnacha used for this wine come from the best vineyards around Azagra in Rioja Baja. The vines are predominantly grown on clay-limestone soil, and minimal intervention is practised. Grapes are all hand-picked in early October.
Upon reception, the grapes are de-stemmed without rollers to avoid crushing and extraction of harsh tannins from seeds and skins and to allow plenty of whole berries to be retained for varietal expression. The grapes are then fermented in 25 ton stainless steel fermenters using inoculated yeasts to give a fruit driven profile without over extraction. The ferment is kept relatively cool, aided by regular pump-overs and once dryness has been reached, the vat is drained and the skins gently pressed, with press fractions kept separate to avoid over extraction and harsh tannins. 18 months in American and French oak.