Monte Real Rioja Alta Crianza 1996
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Quality check
We perform quality checks on all wines, examining the label, cork and seal, as well as the condition of the wine. This way we create the best conditions for the wine to still be good and drinkable.
Authenticity test
We work with skilled and trustworthy suppliers, and we perform authenticity tests on the wines when they arrive at our warehouse. Here we review the seal, label, bottle number and much more, so that we ensure that the wine is genuine.
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We select the wines based on strict quality requirements.
The wines must be from quality producers, stored according to all the rules of the art, and pass our final quality assurance when the wine arrives at our warehouse.
This ensures that we can offer a unique product where the probability of a unique experience is very good.
Read more about what to expect
Delivery: We ship orders every weekday.
Delivery time and price:
- Denmark: 1-2 days (39-49 DKK)
- Sweden: 2-3 days (150 SEK)
- Finland: 2-3 days (15 EUR)
- Germany: 2-3 days (15 EUR)
- Netherlands: 2-4 days (15 EUR)
- Generally for EU countries: 2-5 days (15-25 EUR)
NOTE: There may be 1-2 days longer delivery time in remote areas.
Returns: You always have a 30-day right of return.
NOTE : All orders from November 15th to December 24th can be returned until January 31st.
Monte Real Rioja Alta Crianza 1996
Bodegas Riojanas belongs to the absolute pioneer generation in Rioja, being one of the thirteen houses that established the region's modern wine culture. Founded in 1890 in Cenicero by the Artacho family alongside Rafael Carreras, the estate took shape during a time when the region was heavily inspired by French winemakers who had fled to Spain to escape the phylloxera epidemic in Bordeaux. Today, the estate remains in family hands through the Frías Artacho and Artacho Nieto families, maintaining a deep respect for classic, traditional winemaking.
This wine belongs to the Monte Real line, which represents the producer's powerful interpretation and is traditionally bottled in Burgundy-shaped bottles. As a Crianza classified under the Denominación de Origen Calificada, the wine has been aged for a minimum of one year in wooden barrels, reflecting the estate's dedication to traditional, long maturation in American oak.
The composition is a classic regional blend consisting of 80% Tempranillo, supported by 15% Mazuelo and 5% Graciano. Tempranillo stands as the most important grape in the region, and Bodegas Riojanas places a central focus on respecting the grape's inherent characteristics.
The grapes are sourced from Rioja Alta, the western and higher-altitude part of Northern Spain's most famous wine region. Widely regarded as one of the most classic zones within the DOCa Rioja, Rioja Alta benefits from a cooler and more Atlantic climate compared to Rioja Oriental. The 1996 vintage in this area is described as elegant and fresh, achieving a score of 87 points. This cooler climate, combined with the historical influence of 19th-century French winemaking techniques, has cemented the area's reputation for producing classic oak-aged wines.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Rioja
Rioja in northern Spain is the country's most famous wine region with a modern wine history shaped by French winemakers in the 19th century. Tempranillo is the main grape, often blended with Garnacha, and the wines are defined by their aging in oak barrels, classified as Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. The result is soft, mature red wines with red berries, vanilla, leather and spice.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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100% authentic bottles
All bottles undergo a thorough authenticity test by our certified sommeliers before being offered for sale. We reject bottles we are unsure about.
Thorough quality check
Cork, capsule, fill level, label condition, and provenance are individually documented for each bottle. A physical certificate is included with every purchase.
60-day return policy
We are confident in the quality of our wines, and you as a buyer should be too. Return any unopened bottle within 60 days for a full refund — no questions asked.
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How it handles
you your wine
Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
We will help you throughout the journey. Here you can read our guide on how to treat the wine. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write or call us.
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