Summary

The Pozo Alto 2016 by Olivier Rivière 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 character of the wine is unique, showcasing a fusion of tradition and modernity, with a vibrant palate of dark plums, touches of pepper, and a long, elegant finish.

Tasting Notes

The Pozo Alto 2016 exhibits a deep purple color and a wide range of tasting notes. It presents impressive aromas of blue fruits, violets, orange blossom, and graphite. On the palate, it features flavors of dark plums, black cherries, with touches of pepper and a delightful floral note. The wine has a vibrant character, great structure, and impressive detail, offering a lasting, spicy, and clear finish.

Background

Born in Cognac, Olivier Rivière started his winemaking journey in Montagne Saint-Émilion before gaining experience in different regions such as Côtes du Marmandais and Burgundy. His immersion in biodynamics began while helping Telmo Rodríguez convert the vineyards of Rioja. Captivated by the terroirs of Rioja, Olivier launched his winemaking adventure in 2006, managing 10 hectares using biodynamic or organic approaches.

His wines, distanced from the traditional style of Rioja, emphasize fruity flavors and a natural character. Unlike the hierarchical classifications of Rioja, Olivier is inspired by Burgundy, which categorizes wines according to specific terroirs.

In the winery, Olivier follows Burgundian techniques with minimal intervention. The vinification includes gentle processes, such as various destemming techniques according to the grape and harvest, as well as fermentation without additives. Aging is carried out in tanks or barrels with minimal new wood, preserving the freshness of the fruit.

Interestingly, Bordeaux winemakers once helped transform the style of Rioja wine during the phylloxera outbreak in the 1860s. Olivier continues this tradition by creating expressive wines that contrast with the deep-rooted traditional style of Rioja, exemplified by López de Heredia.

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

Production Process

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

Food Pairing

Lamb heart, pork steak, ribeye, T-bone, cheddar cheese.

Serving Temperature

The recommended serving temperature is 16 degrees Celsius.