It is hard not to acknowledge that La Rioja Alta is the leading producer in the Rioja region of Spain. At 400 hectares,with over 50,000 casks and more than 6 million bottles stored at any given time, the estate possesses that rare attribute of being able to deliver world-class quality wine in what can only be called record time. Founded in 1890 by Riojan and Basque families in the area, La Rioja Alta is best known for its Gran Reserva 890, a spicy yet classically driven red that is famous for its ability to age with grace. The wine is composed of clusters of Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo, and is initially aged for six years, yielding a great depth of flavor. Gran Reserva 904, a 90% Tempranillo wine, has a shorter aging process but a similarly deep and rich profile. The estate additionally produces Vina Ardanza, which differentiates itself from the Gran Reserva wines by featuring a higher percentage of Garnacha – around 25%. La Rioja Alta insists on keeping the vinification process aligned with the region’s traditions. Never opting for French oak, wine is aged in Bordeaux-style casks made of American oak to ensure its desired characteristics. As the wines mature, rich ruby colorations develop as well as aromas of spice, oak and fruit. The wines of La Rioja Alta can be ideally consumed either upon release or in later years. Seductive and complex, this unique quality contributes to the estate’s position on the radar of consumers and collectors alike.