{"product_id":"altos-r-pigeage-tempranillo-2022","title":"Altos R Pigeage Tempranillo 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003eWinemaker \u003cb\u003eJean-Marc Sauboua may have perfected his craft at Bordeaux’s famed Château Haut Brion,\u003c\/b\u003e but he has Rioja in his blood (it is his mother’s homeland, after all). Alongside talented head winemaker Amaia Amestoy, he makes brilliant wines at his highly awarded Altos de Rioja estate. Case in point: \u003cb\u003eAltos R Pigeage.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eSituated among the Sierra Cantabria Mountains, Altos is surrounded by the highest vineyards in all of Rioja. At 1,900 to 2,200 feet in altitude, the days are hot and sunny, while temperatures drop by as much as 68 degrees Fahrenheit between day and night. That’s the secret to bringing out freshness and vivid aromas…\u003cb\u003eattributes that are prized in the finest Rioja.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003ePigeage is Altos’ flagship red, crafted with grapes from a plot of \u003cb\u003e80-year-old Tempranillo and Graciano vines in the premium district of Rioja Alavesa.\u003c\/b\u003e These miserly old vines yield tiny grapes that deliver a wonderfully distinctive, pure intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eTo showcase all that flavor character and draw out deep color with velvety texture, Amaia employed the \u003ci\u003epigeage\u003c\/i\u003e technique in the cellar (a traditional Burgundian method of fermenting in open vats and gently plunging down the grape skins, repeatedly). Then, they treat the wine to a \u003cb\u003egenerous period of aging in barrels\u003c\/b\u003e from three of France’s finest coopers (Taransaud, Saury and François Frères) plus top-quality American Canton oak. After multiple tastings from barrel over the course of several months, quality-obsessed Amaia and Jean-Marc were hugely pleased, and released this gem to unbelievable acclaim.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eAltos R Pigeage is a full-bodied red wine with intense aromas of red berries with hints of balsamic and herbs, plus an intriguing floral lift. The palate is smooth and mellow, with ripe strawberry and raspberry nuances. The finish is long and silky, framed by subtle vanilla, nutmeg and smoke notes.\u003c\/p\u003e   \n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile that aging qualifies for Reserva labeling (by Rioja’s strict wine laws), all the extra care makes for a Gran Reserva experience: a smoothness, deep concentration and ability to develop beautifully for decades. But it also has the flair of a Grand Cru Classé from Bordeaux. As Jean-Marc likes to say, it’s \u003cb\u003e“fine Rioja with a French passport.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all premium aged wines, we recommend decanting 60 minutes before serving to release its full aromas and flavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHurry to secure your share of this exceptional red.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lionstone International","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67858963792181,"sku":"0611422","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.lionstone.com\/products\/altos-r-pigeage-tempranillo-2022","provider":"Lionstone International","version":"1.0","type":"link"}