Promotional feature. An exclusive, premium winery with an impressive history dating back to 1890, the philosophy of La Rioja Alta SA has always been to strive for perfection through both traditional and innovative processes.
Over the centuries La Rioja Alta SA has adapted and evolved to ensure that they consistently produce the finest wines possible with both personality from the three most important DOs in Spain. Unlike so many other internationally acclaimed estates, their wines are ready to drink immediately upon release. In exceptional vintages, the following wines can be labelled as “Especial”: Gran Reserva 890, Gran Reserva 904, Viña Ardanza, Viña Arana and Viña Alberdi.
The Rioja Alavesa Estate of Torre de Oña was bought in 1995 with the aim of producing wines that reflect the characteristics of this exclusive region and particular terroir. In contrast to the Haro estate’s production, each sub-plot of the 65 hectare Torre de Ona vineyards is harvested, vinified and matured separately before the various parcels are blended into either the Reserva or Crianza from this estate reflecting the concept of terroir which is unusual in Rioja. Only the best grapes are used to make the Torre de Oña Reserva and the Finca San Martín Crianza.
Heading west towards the border with Portugal, the group acquired the Galician estate of Lagar de Fornelos in 1988 to add a unique and premium Albariño to the portfolio, Lagar de Cervera. A recent vast investment programme has transformed this estate into an impressive state-of-the-art building and winery, the results of which have paid off with the exceptional 2012 release. There are currently 75 hectares under vine with a recent purchase of a further 10 hectares which will be planted shortly.
A desire to produce a modern, contemporary red from a contrasting region led La Rioja Alta SA south towards Ribera del Duero to identify prime plots for vine cultivation which began in earnest in 1989. The Estate’s production has since gone from strength to strength with 95 hectares of Tinto Fino that produces an award-winning Aster Reserva, Aster Crianza and in the best years, also the premium Aster Finca el Otero.
Offering a wide variety of unique, premium wines with an abundance of personality and charm, the Rioja Alta portfolio showcases the very best that Spain has to offer.
In this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, La Rioja Alta were delighted to win Gold with the Gran Reserva 904, 2001 and Gran Reserva 890, 1998 is the winner of the Red Rioja Gran Reserva over £15 Trophy.
Written by Decanter
-
What is Caberlot, the rare cult grape from Tuscany? Our expert finds outA true one-off...
-
Explore paradise one wine at a time...Sponsored Content Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tropical haven for wine lovers, offering a curated wine programme that elevates every stay.
-
Explore paradise one wine at a time...
Sponsored Content Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tropical haven for wine lovers, offering a curated wine programme that elevates every stay.
-
Protos: Defining the wines of the futureSponsored Content Winemaker Marilena Bonilla has overseen many changes during two decades at Protos, one of Spain’s most famous wineries. She reflects on the history and legacy of the iconic Ribera del Duero brand, and how she is adapting the wines for the future.
-
Selvanella: A Chianti Classico pioneerSponsored Content In 1969, when Chianti Classico was still dominated by blends and bulk production, one estate put the name of its vineyard on the label. It was an act of conviction that still defines it today.
-
Gavi: Piedmont’s hidden gemSponsored Content Set between the Apennines and the Ligurian coast, Gavi combines medieval charm, distinctive gastronomy and one of Italy’s finest wines.
-
Cuatro Rayas: Past-proofing the futureSponsored Content Responsible for the largest area under vine in Rueda, this forward-thinking wine cooperative has embraced its role as the custodian of an invaluable natural and cultural heritage.
-
Cantina Tollo: Business not as usualSponsored Content In the heart of Abruzzo, Cantina Tollo is proving that cooperatives are becoming a key source of quality wine. The benchmark producer shows how a long-term vision can balance tradition and innovation to create a truly sustainable business – and some very serious wines.
-
Two different faces of Tuscany: Castello di Radda and Cantina Fabio MottaSponsored Content For 50 years the Agricole Gussalli Beretta group has been dedicated to producing wines of the highest quality in Italy’s most prestigious wine-growing regions.
-
Tenuta Il Finale – Shining a spotlight on Piedmont’s land and grapesSponsored Content A friendship forged through the world of business led three wine lovers to the steep hills of Piedmont, where they are championing the region’s local varieties.
