Pozo Alto 2016 Rioja

Teaser

Olivier Rivière's Pozo Alto 2016 is an exquisite blend of Graciano, Tempranillo, and Garnacha, revealing deep purple hues and a symphony of aromas, from blue fruits to orange blossom. The wine's character is unique, showcasing a fusion of tradition and modernity, with a vibrant palate of dark plums, hints of pepper, and a long, elegant finish.

Tasting Notes

The 2016 Pozo Alto exhibits a deep purple color and a wide array of tasting notes. It showcases stunning aromas of blue fruits, violets, orange blossom, and graphite. The palate boasts flavors of dark plums, black cherries, with hints of pepper, and a lovely floral lift. The wine has a vibrant character, great structure, and impressive detail, offering a long-lasting, spicy, and clear finish.

Background

Born in Cognac, Olivier Rivière's winemaking journey began in the Montagne Saint-Emilion before gaining experience in different regions such as the Côtes du Marmandais and in Burgundy. His dive into biodynamics started while assisting Telmo Rodriguez in converting Rioja's vineyards. Captivated by Rioja's terroirs, Olivier launched his winemaking venture in 2006, managing 10 hectares using biodynamic or organic approaches.

His wines, a departure from Rioja's traditional style, emphasize fruity flavors and a natural character. Unlike Rioja's hierarchical classifications, Olivier takes inspiration from Burgundy, categorizing wines based on specific terroirs.

In the cellar, Olivier follows Burgundian techniques with minimal intervention. Vinification involves gentle processes, including varying destemming techniques based on grapes and vintages, as well as fermentation without additives. Aging occurs in vats or barrels with minimal new wood, preserving fruit freshness.

Interestingly, Bordeaux's winegrowers once helped transform Rioja's wine style during the phylloxera outbreak in the 1860s. Olivier continues this tradition by crafting expressive wines that contrast with Rioja's entrenched traditional style, exemplified by Lopez de Heredia.

Despite working independently, Olivier's wines have gained a strong reputation. His Pozo Alto 2016, sourced from old vines, received high praise, with a score of 97 points from both James Suckling and the Robert Parker Wine Advocate.

Production Process

The 2016 Pozo Alto wine comes from an old vineyard in Leza, planted in the 1930s. The vineyard is carefully selected for this special bottling. The grapes, an unusual blend of Graciano, Tempranillo, and a bit of Garnacha, are handpicked and fermented after destemming. This wine stands out for its unique combination of power and elegance, owing to the high acidity and tannins from the 2016 harvest. The process yields a sharp, full-bodied wine with fine tannins and a long-lasting taste. It's said to embody elements from both modern and traditional winemaking, creating a serious Rioja meant for aging.

Pairing Suggestions

Lamb's heart, pork steak, ribeye steak, entrecôte, cheddar.

Serving Temperature

The recommended serving temperature is 16 degrees Celsius.