The Montaña family traces its heritage to the origins of the modern Rioja wine industry in the late 19th century. Román Montaña consolidated the family business in 1920 as the viticultural component of one of Rioja’s grand old marques, situated in medieval cellars underneath Haro, capital of Rioja Alta. The Montaña family retains portions of these impressive cellars to this day.
Román’s grandson Oscar Montaña currently directs a vineyard estate comprising over 270 acres of prime sites in the Rioja Alta and Alavesa districts. The Montaña vineyards boast a high average vine age, many vines dating to the immediate postphylloxera period and including significant acreage of the rare Graciano.
90% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano, 3% Mazuelo; alcohol: 14%; Finca Cracierzo and Torcalvo estate vineyards in DOC Rioja at 1850-1950 feet; vines planted 1960-1985; clay-calcareous with iron, alluvial soils; hand harvested; fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks; aged 18 months in French oak barriques, racked every every 6 months; bottle aged 18 months. Complex aromas of blackberry, plum, cola and vanilla. There’s a whisper of smokiness on the long, elegant finish.