Rioja: Bodegas Altanza
Visit a unique Rioja winery and discover Altanza, a place where wine tourism goes far beyond a tour with tastings.
Structure
Drinking window
Latest scored vintage 2017: best 2023 to 2037.
vintage6 yrs20 yrs22 yrs
Critic scores
| Critic | Vintage | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Atkin reviewed 2022 | 2017 | 93/100 |
Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.
In the glass
Aroma: blackberry, black pepper, violet, balsamic, herb
Palate: dark fruit, firm tannin, spice, mineral
A rare varietal Graciano, the estate having pioneered single-variety bottling of this normally blending grape; dark, peppery and structured with vivid acidity.
What it pairs with
-
Venison loin
Dark game meets the peppery, structured Graciano. -
Chuleton de buey
Find chuleton de buey on TableJourney →
Aged-beef chop frames the firm tannin. -
Aged Manchego
Hard cheese balances the grip and acidity.
How to serve Contino Graciano
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Venison loin, Chuleton de buey, Aged Manchego. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Contino was one of the first estates to bottle a varietal Graciano, normally used only in blends, showcasing the grape's structure and acidity.
- 1994: First Contino varietal Graciano
Facts
- Producer
- Vinedos del Contino · visiting guide
- Grapes
- Graciano (100%)
- Classification
- DOCa Rioja
- Oak
- Around 16 months in French oak
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 35 to 60 at retail
- Drinking window
- 6 to 20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1994
Frequently asked about Contino Graciano
What does Contino Graciano taste like?
On the nose, blackberry, black pepper, violet, balsamic, herb. On the palate, dark fruit, firm tannin, spice, mineral. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long finish. A rare varietal Graciano, the estate having pioneered single-variety bottling of this normally blending grape; dark, peppery and structured with vivid acidity.
When should I drink Contino Graciano?
Drink 6 to 20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Contino Graciano?
Venison loin is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Chuleton de buey and Aged Manchego. Dark game meets the peppery, structured Graciano.
Is Contino Graciano vegan?
No: the producer uses traditional animal-derived fining agents (typically egg whites or isinglass) during clarification, so the wine is not vegan.
What grapes are in Contino Graciano?
The blend is Graciano (100%). The wine is classified as DOCa Rioja.
Tags
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