The British Master of Wine awards 93 points to LoAlto Bobal and LoAlto Tardana; LoAlto Garnacha gets 92 points; and LoAlto Parcela Los Álamos gets 90 points
Venta del Moro, Valencia, 19 August, 2024.- LoAlto wines have received important international recognition with the comments and magnificent scores awarded by Master of Wine Tim Atkin. In his recent Discover Spain 2024 Special Report, co-written with Decanter writer Beth Willard, Atkin reflects on his latest trip to Spain, during which they tasted what they describe as “some interesting things we missed first time around”. This time, the wine critics tasted 648 samples. Of these, only 205 wines obtained 90 points or more.
LoAlto Bobal 2023 achieved an impressive 93 points. This estate wine (vino de paraje) reflects the landscape where the vines are grown. During the production process, a third of the grapes were placed in vats for fermentation with whole bunches, and then the wine was gently aged for six months in French oak foudres. Atkin says it is a warm, mature red wine with fresh acidity in which “violets and red cherry fruit lead to dark fruit, a touch of balsamic and licorice.”
LoAlto Tardana 2023, a white wine made with the minority Tardana grape variety that ferments in stainless steel and rests in concrete tanks for six months, also scored 93 points. Atkin and Willard stress its “very Valencian character, loaded with orange aromas and ripe, sunny fruit…this is a pure and vibrant expression of the grape”. They highlight its sensation of “blood orange and pith with a dry, savoury finish and a touch of grip”.
LoAlto Garnacha 2023 achieves a magnificent 92 Points. This is a red wine made with Garnacha grapes grown on chalky clay soil. As with the other wines, the grapes are harvested manually and some whole bunches are used. The wine is aged for eight months in concrete tanks, without pressing and without using steel or oak. In the tasting, critics note “burnt orange, peach syrup, red berries and herbal notes make for a heady bouquet that speaks of both the warm Mediterranean and mountain freshness. Subtle reduction adds to the wine’s complexity.”
Finally, LoAlto Los Álamos Garnacha Blanca 2023 stood out with 90 points. The grapes for this exclusive wine come from a single plot called Los Álamos on part of the estate with a clay soil base. The wine is aged for eight months in cement tanks and French oak, which adds complexity. “Boiled sweets, pear and dried herbs make for an expressive white that also offers impressive texture and minerality. Mountain fresh but with Mediterranean warmth.”
Tim Atkin, the British Master of Wine in love with Spanish wines
Tim Atkin is a leading wine critic with an international reputation, known for his expertise and deep passion for the world of wine. With over 35 years’ experience, Atkin is renowned for his detailed, meticulous approach to assessing wines, making him one of the most influential voices in the industry.
He regularly publishes comprehensive reports on Spanish wines, helping raise their international profile. As well as his work as a critic, he is a prolific writer, speaker and judge of wine competitions worldwide. His analytical approach and ability to communicate the complexity of wine in an accessible way have positioned him as a key figure for wine experts and enthusiasts alike.
About LoAlto
The historic Casa Lo Alto estate, founded in 1796, lies on a hill among pine and holm oak forests in the municipality of Venta del Moro in the Hoces del Cabriel Natural Park. Bodegas Murviedro, a Spanish subsidiary of the Schenk Group, acquired this unique wine-growing estate in 2017. Since then, detailed soil studies have been carried out to understand the estate plot by plot. The aim is that its wines should capture their origin, the terroir and the feel of the hills and their landscapes. During these years, LoAlto has established itself as a leading winery, standing out for its commitment to the very highest quality.