Bodegas Marqués de Cáceres presents Los Altares Gran Reserva Blanco, an unprecedented creation in the history of the house and the first white wine of this category produced by the winery. This launch marks a decisive step in the brand’s technical and stylistic evolution, reinforcing its dynamism and its commitment to collectible wines with strong personality within the Signature Wines range, which already includes Generación MC and La Halconera.
A cult white that expresses the deepest essence of Rioja’s old vineyards
Los Altares originates from high-altitude vineyards spread across small plots where very old Viura vines coexist with minor white varieties, historically interplanted among red vines following Rioja’s traditional viticulture. Each plot retains the original varietal proportions defined at the time of planting, thus preserving the unique identity of each vineyard.
The soils are composed of clay-limestone profiles with frequent limestone veins, providing tension, finesse and longevity to the wine.
Artisanal and patient winemaking: a work of precision
Harvesting is carried out manually in small crates, selecting very low-yielding Viura grapes from the head-trained old vines. After cooling, whole-bunch pressing is performed, producing a must that is gently clarified by gravity.
Fermentation takes place in new French oak barrels, where the wine remains for 10 to 12 months depending on the evolution of each plot. Subsequently, Los Altares undergoes a four-month refinement in concrete tanks, followed by extended bottle aging that integrates and harmonizes its multiple aromatic layers.
A unique sensory profile: complexity, volume and emotion
Intense on the nose, multiple aromatic layers combine complexity and harmony. It reveals notes of honey and hints of stone fruit (mirabelle plums, apricots…), set against a delicate background of fine oak. In the glass, subtle aniseed notes and touches of dried flowers emerge.
On the palate, it is fresh, with great volume and structure supported by balanced acidity. The finish is very long, flavorful, with retronasal notes where honeyed nuances blend with the fine toasted notes of its elegant oak.
A gastronomic yet versatile wine, to be enjoyed at any moment.
Innovation that defines the new era of Marqués de Cáceres
With Los Altares, the winery reaffirms its ability to explore new expressions in Rioja and to expand the boundaries of the Viura variety and age-worthy white wines. This release is part of the Signature Wines range, a collection of singular wines representing the most creative, contemporary and distinctive vision of Marqués de Cáceres.
The addition of Los Altares to the portfolio comes at a time of strong international momentum for the winery, which continues to establish itself as one of Rioja’s leading producers of high-end, innovative wines with long-term aging potential.
Technical Sheet – Los Altares Gran Reserva Blanco 2016
- Varieties: Old-vine Viura and other minor white varieties
- Soil: Clay-limestone with limestone veins
- Climate: Mild Atlantic, with marked seasons
- Harvest: Manual, with selection from low-yielding old vines
- Winemaking: Whole-bunch pressing; fermentation and aging for 10–12 months in new French oak barrels; 4 months of refinement in concrete tanks
- Bottle aging: Extended, to integrate and refine the wine’s characteristics
- Alcohol: 13.5% Vol.
- Serving temperature: 12°C