ALTOS DE RIOJA - BODEGA IN THE CLOUDS

Jean-Marc Sauboua is a Bordeaux-born, Trophy-winning winemaker, who first trained at Premier Cru Classé Château Haut Brion. He's made wine for us all over the world, including Château La Clarière in Castillon, Bordeaux, for many years.

In 2006, Jean-Marc Sauboua decided to start a venture of his own in Spain – a tribute to his Spanish mother. He founded a small Rioja bodega, up in the clouds – the highest in the appellation – with the sole aim of making Grand Cru Classé style wines. It’s a very beautiful spot, close to the mountains, with direct access to the very best, cool, high-altitude, old vineyards. Since then, the winery has won over 800 awards, including over 300 Golds and four Trophies.

Jean-Marc's top wine is Altos R Pigeage (pron. Peejarge), which has won over 150 Golds on its own. It's a fine, weighty, ageworthy Rioja of the modern age.