Altos R Pigeage Graciano
This is Jean-Marc Sauboua’s pure, ultra-rare Graciano. Never heard of it? Not surprising as, despite being Rioja’s most important grape variety about a century ago, today it makes up just 1% of plantings. Oz Clarke called it “far and away the most interesting vine in Rioja”. Jean-Marc is a great fan and doing his best to revive it. He only makes this flagship special cuvée in the best vintages, because Graciano is hard to ripen. Fruit from ancient bush vines, with yields of 10–15 hectolitres per hectare, accounts for amazing layers and length of flavour. Fermented slowly in open top wooden fermenters, with once a day plunge down (pigeage), then with 20 months in all new French oak, this is a powerful red. For now, decant early. Or keep.
Eight Golds, plus eight top scores, including 96 Points from Spain's Top Sommeliers, this is a stunning, very rare Rioja. It’s made purely from the region’s superb Graciano grape. Very low yield tiny berries, long aged in new oak, this is sublime.
Tasting Note
Aromas of crushed pepper, exotic berry fruit, tobacco and spice box. Palate continues the peppery spice, dense juicy fruit, textured tannins, great length
"Fragrant and spicy nose offering smoke, crushed pepper, clove, ginger and ripe red berries. Dense" Andreas Larsson, World's Top Sommelier - 93 Points
Reviews
James Suckling - 93 Points
Decanter - 91 Points
Tim Atkin - 92 Points
Gold, Berliner Wine Trophy
Free shipping for orders over $250 or 24 bottles.
Shipping Options (per 12-bottle case or part case)
- North Island - $5.90
- South Island - $9.90
- Waiheke Island - $18.00
- Rural delivery address - +$5.00
To check whether your destination address is considered Rural you can use the address checker on our courier's website here.
North Island deliveries are usually made between 1 and 3 days depending on the location it is being sent. South Island deliveries are usally 2 to 5 days.
Order before 1pm to get into the same day's courier run.
