Our “tradicional” wines follow the path laid down over centuries, but with the emphasis on balance, fruit and freshness rather than a simple reliance on oak aging. While the foundations of these wines will always be Tempranillo, wherever we can, they benefit from generous use of our beloved Garnacha.
'Tradicional' Rioja Tinto
Current vintage 2021
Viticulture
Fusing centuries old traditions with contemporary wisdom, deAlto is a modern interpretation of Rioja. With equal quantities of Tempranillo and Garnacha. The vines are predominantly grown on clay-limestone soil, and minimal intervention is practised.
Winemaking
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. 30% of the wine spends 6 months in French and American oak.
Tasting
Perfectly balanced with ripe, red fruits overlaid with mocha, wood spice and subtle vanilla notes, deAlto captures the passion and brilliance of a region that continues to delight wine lovers the world over. *Suitable for Vegans.
'Tradicional' Rioja Crianza
Current vintage 2019
Viticulture
The vines are predominantly grown on clay-limestone soil, with an increasingly sustainable and minimal intervention approach to viticulture. Grapes are all hand-picked in early October.
Winemaking
Grapes are transported to the winery and gently de-stemmed with the rollers on the crusher adjusted to give more extraction of the grape skins and seeds without over extraction. Each lot is assessed on its berry sizes and the machinery adjusted to suit. The grapes are then sent to 25 tonne temperature controlled fermentation tanks and the grapes are given a 5 day cold soak which aids colour and fruit extraction prior to alcoholic fermentation. Once fermenting, the wine is pumped over its skins, with each of the fermentations carefully controlled to maximise the extraction of soft tannins as well as enhance the fruit characters of each vineyard. When alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wines are left to macerate on the skins for up to 5 days to help soften tannins and integrate flavours. The wines are then gently drained and pressed with the press components kept separate by taste. The blend is primarily Tempranillo (90%) with Garnacha (5%) and Mazuelo (5%). All of the wine spends 12 months in French and American oak of which 15% is new.
Tasting
Aromatic and intense, lovely aromas of wild red berries, blossom, nutmeg and hints of sandalwood. Fresh, fruity and well balanced with sensations of raspberries, vanilla and cinnamon. A wine with great purity and depth of fruit, gently caressed by oak but never smothered. Textural, well balanced and a great expression of Rioja. *Suitable for Vegans.
'Tradicional' Rioja Reserva
Current vintage 2016
Viticulture
The vines are predominantly grown on clay-limestone soil, with an increasingly sustainable and minimal intervention approach to viticulture. Grapes are all hand-picked in early October.
Winemaking
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. 100%
of the wine spends 18 months in French and American oak. The final blend being; Tempranillo (80%), Garnacha (15%) and Graciano (5%)
Tasting
Remarkable black fruit notes with spices, smoky and subtle nuances of vanilla, toffee and tobacco. The palate is beautifully balanced and offers layers of red berry fruits, laced with vanilla and hints of mocha and liquorice. *Suitable for Vegans.
