La Rioja Alta
Finca San Martín Rioja Crianza
2021
About this winery
La Rioja Alta S.A. was founded in 1890 in Haro, Rioja Alta. La Rioja Alta S.A. owns 4 wineries in Spain including the winery bearing its name. In addition to La Rioja Alta, S.A. the Group own Torre de Oña, a single estate winery located in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, Lagar de Cervera in Rías Baixas, and Áster in Ribera del Duero. The wineries owned by La Rioja Alta S.A. focus on the balance between tradition and modernization of their winemaking, vineyard management and facilities. The group...
See the La Rioja Alta detail page for more information on this brand
Product notes
Selected parcels from La Rioja Alta vineyards: Vallecilla, Camino de Laguardia, San Martín I, and San Martín II, located on the slopes of the Sierra de Cantabria (average altitude: 600 m). Predominantly limestone-rich, well-drained soils that yield grapes with intense aromas and freshness.
Production notes
Hand-harvested into small crates, with cluster selection in the vineyard. Grapes are transported to the winery for natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Aged for 16 months in American oak barrels (60% new) and second-use French oak barrels (40%). During this period, 3 traditional rackings are carried out by candlelight, transferring the wine from barrel to barrel manually to separate sediment and avoid aggressive filtration.
Tasting notes
Vivid cherry red color. Notes of blackberries, raspberries, and red cranberries. These intertwine with pleasant hints of clove, vanilla, roasted coffee, caramel, and sweet licorice. On the palate, it stands out for its balance, finesse, and pleasant mouthfeel, thanks to its soft, approachable tannins that lead to a fruit-forward, expressive finish. Fine, expressive, and well-balanced.
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