Altos Xai 690m 2018

Supreme single-vineyard, high-altitude five Golds Rioja from this superb bodega with Trophies galore
Altos is a top-performing Rioja bodega with Trophies for 'Spanish Winery of the Year', 'Reserva of the Year' and 'Crianza of the Year'. Owner is Haut-Brion-trained Jean Marc Sauboua. Enjoy his complex, Grand Cru style, five-Golds single vineyard Xai.
Altos was founded in 2006 and since then has won over 260 top awards, including 125 Golds and many Trophies. In 2020 that included 'Best Spanish wine over £10', up against some very pricy wines. In 2015, they moved to a new cellar in Elvillar, the highest in the appellation. The winery has no vineyards, but works with the same growers it has done from the start. These growers nurture old vines in some of the very highest altitude sites of the appellation, which enjoy pure sunshine and cold winds. It all adds up to a very fine wine, with elegance and finesse. Grapes for Xai all come from an exceptional vineyard at 690 metres. Pure Tempranillo, aged 18 months in barrel, a fine, expressive red, almost Burgundian in style. Decant early.