La Rioja Alta

La Rioja Alta was formed in 1890 as a partnership of 5 quality-conscious growers keen to exploit the export potential for well-made Rioja. At this time, French vineyards were ravaged by phylloxera, and connoisseurs were having to look elsewhere for supplies of fine wine. Rioja, with its excellent climate and soils, had already attracted attention and experiments with Bordeaux-style vinification and barrique-aging were proving very successful.