Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2015 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, vegan-friendly Gran Reserva from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO over the long weekend as part of the February 18 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Bodegas Altanza, a relatively young winery that was established in 1998 by a group of friends with a shared dream to make high quality, 100% Tempranillo wines. Their name is a synonym for 'quality' and their goal is to offer modern wines with an authentic touch, while also producing the best possible quality wine at a sensible price. The estate of Bodegas Altanza is situated in the higher elevation town of Fuenmayor, in Rioja Alta, and spans 300 hectares, of which 220 hectares are planted to vines. At Altanza's state-of-the-art, modern winery, they have many stainless steel tanks of varying sizes which allows them to better customize the fermentation process depending on the varietal and style of wine they wish to craft. Each tank is also fitted with a temperature-control jacket and managed by a central control panel.

Like the 2011 Lealtanza Gran Reserva that I enjoyed a couple of years ago, this vintage is also crafted with 100% Tempranillo. In fact, they craft all of their red wines with 100% Tempranillo! It was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts. The wine was aged for 24 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels, as well as a further three months in large 22,000 L French oak vats.

The Rioja Control Board declared the 2015 vintage as "Very Good" back in 2016. However, more recent reports suggest that the vintage was excellent. Although the 2015 growing season in Spain was difficult at times, it all turned out good in the end. Spring was balmy and dry, but temperatures quickly rose and drought became an issue. However, Rioja was lucky enough to receive some rejuvenating showers in June. In July, heat records were being broken and the intense heatwave continued for much of the summer. Temperatures cooled for the most part in August and September. The end result was wines with a bit more higher-than-normal alcoholic levels, with Rioja producing richly concentrated wines with the potential to age. The higher, cooler vineyards of Rioja are showing especially high quality. Let's see how this 2015 Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2015 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#453548) (XD) - $30.95
100% Tempranillo. The fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers attractive aromas of sandalwood, elegant spices, leather, red & black cherry and coconut. On the rich, medium-full bodied palate, it shows very good concentration with delicious sandalwood, earthy wood spices, leather, coconut, red & black cherry, raspberry, and licorice flavours. It has fresh, well-balanced acidity and supple, still-grippy tannins that will continue to soften and integrate with time in the cellar. The sandalwood, oak spice, and earthen notes linger through to the long, savoury finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Bodegas Altanza can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.