Flor Impressions: This is perhaps the best quality to price ratio bottle we've ever carried. Notes of cassis, figs, blackberry compote, iron, maitakes and cinder greet from the glass. The palate is lush and silky with a light to medium bodied frame that sways towards a light velvety tannic touch. The finish is spicy, earthy and slightly smoky making this an ideal pairing for lamb, brisket or ribs.

La Antigua Clasico is one of Alberto Orte’s most enduring history projects. Inspired by the style of winemaking that was popular in the first half of the 20th century, Alberto seeks to emphasize freshness and minerality, leading to potential for a long-lived wine. 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 northern facing, high-altitude vineyards experience cooler temperatures and less sunshine, resulting in grapes that ripen more slowly, showcasing flavors of greater balance and focus. Indeed – this area is one of the last to harvest in all of Western Europe! In addition to the cooler climate, La Antigua is a place where the parcels are extremely small and steep. This terrain is almost impossible to mechanize, and all vineyard work needs to be done by hand. Alberto has complete viticultural control over these vineyards, ensuring unity of purpose between the vineyard and the winery. The result is a wine of precision and elegance – fresh and beautiful to drink now, with enormous potential for longevity.