2018 La Antigua Rioja Blanco, Rioja, Spain

ABOUT THIS WINE

La Antigua Clásico Blanco is inspired by the white Rioja winemaking of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Made from heirloom clones of old-vine Viura, Garnacha Blanca and Tempranillo Blanco. Partially aged under flor, La Antigua Clasico Blanco showcases a style that is savory and umami-rich, paying homage to a time when wineries were allowed to add Fino or Manzanilla sherry to the wine to increase structure and stability.

70% Viura, 20% Garnacha Blanca, 10% Tempranillo Blanco. Vines planted since 1965. Tended in red silica soil at an elevation of 700 m (2,296 ft).

14 to 18 months in a blend of 80% French and 20% American oak barrels, new and used, depending on vintage.10% of the wine is aged under natural flor: a thin layer of native yeast naturally forming on top of the wine in barrel.

Sustainably grown vines planted since 1965.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

La Antigua Clasico is one of Alberto Orte’s most enduring history projects and shows off an unexplored region of DOCa Rioja, the western mountain range of the Sierra de la Demanda. Inspired by the style of winemaking that was popular in the first half of the 20th century, Alberto’s winemaking emphasizes freshness and minerality, leading to balanced, long-lived wines. To that end, he has found old vine Garnacha, Tempranillo and Graciano in the Sierra de la Demanda, south of the Ebro River in Rioja Alta. The northern-facing, high-altitude vineyards receive far less sunshine than those in the valley, resulting in grapes that ripen slowly, showcasing intense flavors of greater balance and focus. This poses quite a risk that only hands-on viticulture can remedy: this area is one of the last to harvest in all of Western Europe, usually in early November! In addition to the cool climate, Sierra de la Demanda’s vineyards are extremely scattered and steep. This terrain is impossible to mechanize, and all vineyard work must be done by hand. The result is a handcrafted wine of precision and elegance, fresh and beautiful to drink now, with built-in longevity.