Producer Profile

Established in the Rioja Oriental sub-zone of Rioja, deAlto is an unconventional producer of brilliant wines that aim to maximise the fruit potential of this great region.

Responding to the need for a more sustainable future, they harness the best vineyards to produce pure Rioja as well as using that same spirit of adventure, experimentation, creativity and commitment to sustainable wine production deAlto embraces the traditions of Rioja but produces them in a contemporary style. Drawing on the revered, in-depth knowledge of Paul Shinnie and the technical skills of Marta Juega Rivera, these wines offer a tantalising taste of contemporary Spain.

Viticulture

Rioja is an incredible patchwork of vineyards, villages and micro-climates but until recently much of that detail, that essence has been blended to form a more composite (but no less delicious) whole. Unpicking some of those traditional tapestries of culture, geography, commerce and climate, we pursue the real essence of what makes Rioja, crafting wines of elegance and energy. Wines that faithfully narrate their site, wines that are Pure Rioja.

Winemaking

The 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. Once 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, to be blended back later on if desired.

Oak Treatment

Time: 12 months
Type: French and American
% wine oaked: 100
% new oak: 15

Tasting Note

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.

Food Matching

Perfect accompaniment to chargrilled meat, cured ham and tapas.