Alberto Orte La Antigua Clasico Crianza, Rioja 2015

Profile & Story

La Antigua Clasico showcases an under-explored corner of DOCa Rioja, the western Sierra de la Demanda. The blend -- 70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, 10% Garnacha -- comes from vines planted 1940-1955 on limestone and sandy soil at 568 meters; the northern-facing, high-altitude site is among the last in Western Europe to harvest, typically in early November. The wine spends 24 months in stainless steel followed by 24 months in seasoned French (60%) and American (40%) oak, well beyond the Crianza category's minimum aging.