Altanza Rioja – Rioja Crianza and Reserva

Paul HowardArticles, Blog, Spain

Bodegas Altanza Rioja Alta

Altanza – Rioja Crianza and Reserva Bodegas Altanza makes fine examples of Rioja made in the modern style. Massive investment in wine growing is now producing wines that highlight fresh fruit flavours rather than the traditional oak-dominant wines of yore. Neither is necessarily better; it’s great to have a choice. Altanza is a relatively young company, established in the heart of Rioja …

Biodynamics. Making saving our planet taste better. Part 1 of 3

Paul HowardArticles, Biodynamic, Blog, Climate Emergency, Organic, Regenerative, Sustainability

Biodynamics, Vineyards

Biodynamics. Part 1 of 3: Koyaanisqatsi Recently, I was asked to republish my articles introducing Biodynamics (or BD, for short). Pol Roger published parts of these. Biodynamics is an agricultural philosophy that offers a radically different approach to agriculture. With wine, this means the farming of grapes. I first encountered BD over a decade ago. Then it was regarded as an …

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble 2011

Paul HowardArgentina, Articles, Blog, Organic, Sustainability

Passo Doble

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble, Malbec/Corvina, Mendoza, Argentina, 2011. 13.5%, organic Masi is a heavyweight Italian producer making a superb range of wines. These include classics such as Soave, Valpolicella, and Amarone. The company expanded into Argentina and created Passo Doble in 1999. It comes from the Mendoza region at their high-altitude Vigneti La Arboleda vineyard; 140 hectares overlooked by the …