De Alto

De Alto is a Riojan producer, truly blazing their own trail and leaving their own unique stamp on the region. DeAlto craft wines in the best traditions of this classic region, but fuse cutting-edge viticultural and winemaking techniques to create a modern interpretation of what they believe to be individual, pure expressions of their Rioja Baja vineyards. The Tempranillo and Garnacha used for their wines come from the best vineyards around Azagra. The vines are predominantly grown on clay-limestone soil, and minimal intervention is practised. Grapes are all hand-picked in early October and are 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. Their base Rioja, is a beautifully smooth, supple and silky blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Graciano. Perfectly balanced with ripe, red berry fruits and overlaid with mocha, wood spice and vanilla notes. The acidity is well pronounced, mixing harmoniously with the sweet fruits. A well balanced and rounded wine. 30% of the wine spent 6 months in French and American oak - the other 70% has no oak aging. This is excellent value and approachable young Rioja, which will go perfectly with chargilled meat, cured ham and tapas.