Viniou Reviews
Altos R Pigeage Graciano 2016 is an intriguing red wine from the heart of Rioja, Spain, showcasing the often lesser-known Graciano grape in a rare solo performance. The 2016 vintage benefited from warm days and cool nights, contributing to a balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Graciano is renowned for its deep colour, aromatic intensity, and structured yet elegant tannins. In this bottling, pigeage—manual cap punching during fermentation—intensifies extraction and underlines the grape’s vibrant character. The result is a wine revealing abundant dark berry fruit, black cherry, and violets, with subtle notes of black pepper, cedar, and spice, enhanced by the judicious use of oak aging customary in the region.
Rioja is Spain’s most prestigious wine region, with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Its vineyards are located along the banks of the Ebro River and spread across a diverse patchwork of soils, predominantly calcareous clay, gravel, and limestone. This complex terroir, combined with the influence of both Atlantic and Mediterranean climates, produces wines of remarkable depth and longevity. Graciano, in particular, thrives here thanks to the region’s long, sunlit growing season tempered by cooler nights, which preserves the grape’s vital acidity and distinctive aromatic profile.
Pairing Altos R Pigeage Graciano 2016 is a delightful exercise. Its vibrant acidity and robust structure make it an excellent match for roast lamb with rosemary, traditional Riojan lamb stew (cordero a la riojana), or grilled chorizo. The wine’s aromatic lift and freshness also complement dishes with earthy notes such as wild mushroom risotto or roasted aubergine with smoked paprika, echoing the local cuisine of the Rioja region.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine an hour before serving to allow its aromatics to fully evolve. Serve at a temperature between 16-18°C. This will beautifully showcase its freshness, complexity, and fine-grained tannins, making for a memorable tasting experience.
