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OVERVIEW
The Montaña family and Classical Wines forged a partnership working in concert in an effort to re-launch a once-successful Rioja brand. It soon became apparent that the relationship merited a
name and image that more clearly reflected the legacy and authenticity of product and source. Montaña débuted in September 2015 with 2014 Tinto (100% Tempranillo) and the excellent 2012
Crianza and 2011 Reserva vintages. Familia Montaña will be reserved as a brand for top bottlings from single sites and exceptional vintages.
The commercial reintroduction of the Montaña family name represents a new path forward for this historic vineyard estate.
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HISTORY
The Montaña family traces its heritage to the origins of the modern Rioja wine industry in the late 19th century. Román Montaña consolidated the family business in 1920 as the viticultural component
of one of Rioja’s grand old marques, situated in medieval cellars underneath Haro, capital of Rioja Alta. The Montaña family retains portions of these impressive cellars to this day.
Román’s grandson Oscar Montaña currently directs a vineyard estate comprising over 270 acres of prime sites in the Rioja Alta and Alavesa districts. The Montaña vineyards boast a high average vine age, many vines
dating to the immediate post-phylloxera period and including significant acreage of the rare Graciano.
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PRESS
Familia Montaña Gran Reserva Finca el Ciego (2014) - "From a family of longtime growers in Rioja Alta and Alavesa, Oscar Montaña farms 270 acres of vines, including the Finca El Ciego, the source of this wine. It is tempranillo (90 percent) with graciano and viura, all grown at an elevation of 2,000 feet, the vines 60 years old. Lush and delicious, with a dark-berry sweetness lasting on rich oak tannins and an herbal cherry highlight, it is mature and ready to drink - for duck."
93 Points
Wine and Spirits, Dec 20, 2020
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Montaña Crianza (2016) - "Ripe berry and cassis aromas come with a hint of pine or spruce. A fleshy palate shows girth balanced by acidity, while this Crianza tastes of black plum and raspberry. On a texturally nice finish, this tastes mostly of spice and chocolate."
91 Points
Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast, Aug 1, 2019
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Montaña Crianza (2015) - "Vivid ruby. Displays aromas of dark berries, cherry pit, incense and oak spices. Sweet cherry-vanilla and blackberry flavors show good depth and pick up a spicy element with air. Finishes long and broad, with even tannins and lingering suggestions of mocha and dark berries."
90 Points
Josh Raynolds, Vinous, Feb 1, 2019
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Montaña Reserva (2012) - "Brilliant ruby-red. Dried cherry, vanilla and a hint of pipe tobacco on the smoke-accented nose. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering gently sweet dark fruit flavors along with suggestions of coconut and candied licorice. Closes broad, supple and long, with smooth tannins coming in late to add gently grip to the wine's pliant black and blue fruit."
90 Points
Josh Raynolds, Vinous, Feb 1, 2019
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