La Antigua “Clásico” Crianza Rioja is one of winemaker Alberto Orte’s most enduring history projects and one that shows off an unexplored region of Rioja Alta: the western mountain range of Sierra de la Demanda, south of the Ebro River. Inspired by a style of winemaking that was popular in the first half of the 20th century, Alberto’s winemaking emphasizes freshness and minerality over oak-derived richness, leading to balanced, long-lived wines. This wine is made from 70% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano, and 10% Garnacha, all planted between 1940 and 1955. The north-facing, high-altitude vineyards here receive less sunshine than those in the valley, resulting in grapes that ripen slowly, showcasing intense flavors of greater balance and focus. This poses quite a risk that only hands-on viticulture can remedy, as this area is one of the last to harvest in all of Western Europe, usually in early November! In addition to the cool climate, Sierra de la Demanda’s vineyards are very steep and impossible to mechanize, so all vineyard work must be done by hand. The wine is matured for 24 months in stainless steel tanks, followed by 24 months in old, neutral French and American oak barrels, exceeding the minimum requirements for a Crianza Rioja. The result is a handcrafted wine of precision and elegance – fresh and beautiful to drink now, with added longevity for those with the patience to wait.