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Bodegas Altanza 2014 Lealtanza Reserva Rioja DOCa

Bodegas Altanza 2014 Lealtanza Reserva Rioja DOCa

92 Points
James Suckling
92 Points
James Suckling

Mission Codename Silky smooth

When you take a crisp $20 bill out to shop for a fine red wine worthy of a great meal and with the potential to improve in the cellar, the choices are limited…

Until you get to Spain!

And where else in Spain but the original epicenter of great reds, Rioja! Decanter defined a previous vintage as “a beautiful wine with the X-factor” and that’s exactly how the consistency here pans out.

Altanza is nestled in Spain’s iconoclastic Rioja region, wherein the company of wineries dating back to the 19th century, are a relative newcomer, established only in 1998. Yet in no time they have risen to stardom with big recognition from the press, as they have dialed their style down to sit right between traditionalism and modernity.

A translucent garnet to ruby perimeter expands wide from a deeper core of sunset crimson. One sniff and you know you’re in Rioja, bridging traditional earthiness with modern spiciness. Seamless and silky with ultrafine tannins and sweet cherry notes underpinning a mineral backbone. The rich plummy core of ripe berries red and black echo with mellow nuances of iron, and nutmeg. An ideal accompaniment to Paella Valenciana, use rabbit, chorizo, and orzo to go traditional.

The greater Rioja region expands into diverse microclimates and various soils that result in multitudes of styles. With polarized traditional and modernist camps competing and driving the region forward, Rioja is made up of 3 distinct zones: Alta, Alavesa, and Baja, each with its own winemaking subtleties. Altanza is perfectly situated in Rioja Alta, a modernist establishment with deeply rooted respect for the region’s tradition-rich history, and this impeccable Reserva truly exemplifies what makes Rioja special.

Dollar for dollar, you would be hard-pressed to find a better cellar-worthy bargain out there.

92 Points – James Suckling

“This has a vibrant and attractively fresh, fleshy feel on the nose with a red-plum core on the palate. Silky and fleshy with a very open-knit finish. Drink or hold.”

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What the Winery Says 2014 Lealtanza Reserva Rioja DOCa

Bodegas Altanza
Bodegas Altanza
Winemaker
Oscar Martinez
Varietal
100% Tempranillo
Vintage
2014
Alcohol
14%
Appellation
Rioja DOCa, Spain
Vineyard
Lealtanza Estate
Aging
21 months

Barrels 50% new French barriques and 22.000 liter vats

About the Winery Bodegas Altanza

Bodegas Altanza Winemaker Oscar Martinez
Bodegas Altanza Winemaker Oscar Martinez
Bodegas Altanza 2014 Lealtanza Reserva Rioja DOCa 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Dec 28, 2023 at 11:59 pm
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Bodegas Altanza 2014 Lealtanza Reserva Rioja DOCa 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Dec 28, 2023 at 11:59 pm
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