Altanza 2021 Crianza

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

• Altanza was founded in 1998 in Fuenmayor, in the heart of Rioja Alta, with one idea: premium Rioja made only from Tempranillo grown on its own estate, joining the region’s winemaking heritage to a modern, distinctive style.
• Home is the Valvarés estate — 200 hectares of vineyard planted across ten parcels at different heights, orientations and soils, chosen for diversity, around eight hectares of Arbequina olive trees. Every wine is estate-grown and bottled at the property.
• French oak has been at the center of the house style from the first vintage; the cellar holds nearly 6,000 barrels. Carlos Ferreiro has been winemaker since the beginning. Both wines carry European Vegetarian Union vegan certification.

ABOUT THE WINE

• Fresh, rounded and friendly — a Crianza versatile enough to drink on its own, with tapas, or at a formal dinner.
• 100% estate Tempranillo, aged 12 months in French oak casks — 15% new, the rest second- and third-use so the fruit stays in front — then two more months in 22-hectoliter Allier French oak foudres.

Vintage: 2021 | Wine Type: Red Wine
Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
Origin: Spain | Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja — Rioja Alta
Vineyard: Valvarés estate, Fuenmayor. Estate fruit, bottled at the property.
Aging: 12 months in French oak (15% new, balance second and third use), then 2 months in 22 hL Allier French oak foudres
Certification: Vegan (European Vegetarian Union V-Label)
Winemaker: Carlos Ferreiro

TASTING NOTES

Intense, mid-depth cherry red, clean and bright. Red fruit leads — strawberry and cherry — with a gentle touch of licorice and well-integrated oak adding subtle balsamic and toasty notes. Light, balanced entry, rounded mouthfeel and good acidity; the tannins are gentle and well structured, and the finish is fruity, pleasant and long. Serve at 57–59°F. Excellent with tapas, stews, red meats and semi-hard cheeses such as Manchego, Provolone and Comté — from patatas bravas to beef Wellington or a chorizo and bean stew.

TECHNICAL DATA

Alcohol: 14%

PRESS & POINTS

2021 – 94 Points, IWSC 2025 | 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast – Best Buy | Top 100, Wine Enthusiast | 91 Points, Guía Peñín