Alberto Orte "La Antigua Clasico" Reserva 2015
(Rioja, Spain) - [VM 92] [WE 91]

About the Winemaker:
Alberto Orte is a visionary Spanish winemaker and historian who creates highly acclaimed wines across multiple regions, including Jerez, Valdeorras, and Rioja. He is celebrated for reviving almost-extinct historical grape varieties and his sustainable, regenerative approach to farming old vines.

Alberto believes that low yields, balanced soils, and top-quality raw materials are three fundamental factors to creating terroir-reflective and balanced wines. He produces two types of wines: wines of unique terroirs, which are labeled as Alberto Orte, and wines from village- designated vineyards that are more approachable, which are labeled as Vinos Atlántico. 

About this Wine:
La Antigua Clásico is one of Alberto Orte’s most enduring history projects and shows off an unexplored region of DOCa Rioja, the western mountain range of 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 Sierra de la Demanda, south of the Ebro river in Rioja Alta. The north-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.

TASTING NOTES:
Overall Fresh & Elegant Classic Rioja
Aromas Lively smoke- and spice-accented cherry and red berry aromas
Mouthfeel Seamless and focused on the palate

GRAPES: 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano. Vines planted from 1940 to 1955. Tended in red silica sandy soil at 700 m (2,296 ft) elevation

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: This wine pairs well with braised meats, roasted mushrooms, stewed beef, duck and game.

VINIFICATION AND AGING: 72 months in 60% French and 40% American oak barrels and 10 months in bottle.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2015 Reserva La Antigua Clásico is a Tempranillo from Rioja. Classic barrel-aged aromas of oak, vanilla and red fruit—cherry and sour cherry—emerge, along with a touch of balsamic herbs and some tertiary notes. The palate is lean and juicy, with fine, lively tannins and a poised balance between youth and evolution." - Joaquin Hidalgo (May 2025)

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Ruby in the glass with aromatics and flavors of smoked meats, spiced fruits, and tobacco blossom. Melted tannins and a silky mouthfeel bring savory fruit flavors into a long finish." - Elaine Chukan Brown (Oct 2025)