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Superb, 2016 Single Vineyard Reserva Rioja from top ranking Bodegas La Emperatriz, that first won prizes for its wines in 1878 when it belonged to Empress Eugénie of France. Today brothers Eduardo and Victor Hernáiz own the impressive estate, comprising 101 hectares of high-altitude vineyards in the Rioja Alta. Many of their wines have been awarded over 90 points by Wine Advocate. With extensive vineyards, they have the luxury of using only estate-grown grapes and make a range of top-ranking wines. Rarely, however, do they make a Gran Reserva purely from this single, north-facing vineyard lying at 630 metres. The result is very slow-ripening grapes and a wine with superb structure, depth and impressive complexity. Only now is it opening out, revealing all its rich flavour. Open early – great with lamb.

A full-bodied red with rich blackberry and strawberry flavors balanced perfectly by oaky spice, Altos de la Guardia Tempranillo is a special release from Rioja—Spain’s premier wine region—and top boutique Altos de Rioja. Top in every sense of the word. Founded by Château Haut Brion-trained winemaker Jean-Marc Sauboua, and led today by head winemaker Amaia Amestoy, Altos is known for its quality-driven approach and has won literally hundreds of awards to prove it. Its vineyards are among the highest in the Rioja Alavesa appellation, between 1,900 and 2,300 feet above sea level. This is the winery's juicy-smooth flagship bottling. It's made of 100% Tempranillo from 60- to 80-year-old vines grown high in the foothills of the Sierra Cantabria mountains, where grapes enjoy ideal sun exposure and cool temperatures. From vineyard to cellar, the team’s high standards consistently pay off. Delicious on its own, you'll find it's also very versatile come dinner time. We love this Rioja with lamb, but its silky texture and easy-drinking appeal make it a great match for pork, beef, meaty fish and more.

In the most northwesterly corner of Rioja, the flatter land starts rising up into soaring mountains. It's here you'll find the start of the Rioja Alta vineyards – a fine enclave of Spain’s greatest region. There extra altitude freshens as well as ripens grapes slowly to full flavoured perfection. Since most Riojas blend grapes from across the region you almost never see Rioja Alta on labels. In fact, there are only two villages permitted to add it. In one you'll find Juan Antonio Leza’s family winery, the cellar behind Castillo de Epifania. Every grape comes from their sleepy Rioja Alta village. Full of silky dark fruit and strawberry, with a kiss of oak, this red has a delicious 'drink me' style, lovely on its own or with tasty tapas.