Old vines, traditional technology and rich, lengthily-aged wines – Rioja has become a cult wine region, largely thanks to Alvaro Palacios, who became a pioneer of Spanish fine wine by elevating the terroir and local varieties. A milestone of his passion, and one of the estate's most important wines, is La Montesa. An unusual Rioja, as at least 90% of it is Garnacha, complemented by indigenous varieties. After manual selection, the grapes undergo destemming and crushing, followed by 35 days of skin contact, then fermentation with native yeast in tanks. After spontaneous malolactic fermentation, it is fine-tuned for 12 months in barrique barrels and bottled unfiltered. A refined structure, with charm and finesse instead of sheer power. Strawberry, raspberry and cherry, with subtle barrel spices and wildflower notes. Vibrant, fresh and balanced  – the elegant face of Rioja.