A relative newcomer in Rioja producing its first wines in 1998, Altanza now relies on its 220 hectare estate vineyards. The roster has expanded to several Rioja wines, and the Crianza remains its most popular. Following sustainable farming, the winery ferments in stainless steel using native yeasts. The 2017 was aged 12 months in French oak of varied ages. Deep dark garnet, it offers aromas of ripe black cherry, licorice, tobacco leaf and oak spice. It is surprisingly dense and layered with ripe black fruit and a hint of oak taking it to a long finish. The fine grained tannins remain in the background of this sleek, vibrant Rioja.
Bodegas Altanza, Rioja DOC Crianza (Spain) 2017
By Norm Roby