Altos de la Guardia Crianza Rioja 2020

Bordeaux-born Jean-Marc Sauboua has been our Trophy-winning winemaker at Château La Clarière for many vintages. In 2006, he decided to start a winery of his own and, with Spanish blood, decided Rioja was his destination. His aim: to make a Grand Cru of Rioja. He has no vineyards, but works with the same growers he has since the start. The mature vines lie above 700 metres, the highest in all Rioja, to ensure an elegant, modern style. He's won well over 140 Golds since 2006, as well as Trophies for Winery of the Year, Rioja of the Year and Best Spanish Red over £10. 2020 was classed a very good vintage. High up where Altos lies, it's always cool, so ripening is slow and wines are fresh. Aged a year in oak, this elegant red is best decanted.