A rare red wine from Rioja Alavesa, expressing ancient Garnacha vines from a single high-altitude vineyard in an elegant, fresh style. A terroir-driven Rioja for connoisseurs who prefer finesse over power.
34,50 €46,00 € / l
Incl. VAT where applicable
In stock.Fast shipping via DHL or DHL Express. Securely packed and insured against breakage and loss.
Ripe red fruit reminiscent of cherry, accompanied by aromatic herbs such as thyme and oregano – fresh, sensual and crystal clear.
Palate
An elegant entry with a silky texture and soft, fine tannins; peppery spice meets ripe red fruit, the alcohol is perfectly integrated, and the finish is long, juicy and enticingly spiced.
Character
A pure, precise high-altitude Rioja with a medium, elegant body – powerful yet without any heaviness, entirely free of noticeable oak influence.
Pairing
Rack of lamb with Provençal herbs, braised mushrooms with polenta or aged Manchego.
Notes
A rarity from a 0.95-hectare single vineyard with vines aged between 98 and 113 years at an altitude of 590 metres; spontaneously fermented in open vats and aged for nine months in used wooden casks – only 1,626 bottles produced in the 2023 vintage.
Tasting note
Colour & appearance
Bright, luminous cherry red – clear and youthful in the glass, just as one would hope from a high-altitude Garnacha.
Nose
Ripe red fruit, above all cherry, meets Mediterranean herbs such as thyme and oregano. The aromatic profile is fresh, sensual and possesses a purity reminiscent of a cool mountain stream.
Palate
An elegant opening with a silky texture and soft, fine tannins. A peppery spice contrasts delightfully with the ripe red fruit. The 15% alcohol is remarkably well integrated; acidity and medium body are beautifully balanced – with not a trace of oak.
Finish
Long, juicy and with an inviting spiciness – a finale that beckons the next sip.
Terroir & origin
The 0.95-hectare single vineyard lies at 590 metres’ altitude in Rioja Alavesa, the Basque part of Rioja. The vines are 98 to 113 years old – a relic, as Garnacha has become extremely rare in this sub-zone today. The exposed parcel is fully open to the northerly Cierzo wind; marl and sandstone soils with a high iron oxide content shape the wine.
Grape varieties & vinification
A blend of 90% Garnacha, 9% Tempranillo and 1% Malvasia Riojana. Roberto Oliván ferments the grapes spontaneously in open vats and ages the wine for nine months in used wooden casks.
Food pairing
A fine partner for herb-crusted rack of lamb, braised aubergines, mushroom dishes or mature Manchego. Also a joy with tapas featuring chorizo and peppers.
Special features
Only 1,626 bottles were produced in 2023 – a rarity from century-old vines. Remarkable is its lightness of touch: despite 15% alcohol, the wine feels cool, clear and positively alpine-fresh.
