Altar (D.O.P. Pago de Otazu) is a red wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, a pure expression of this variety that captures the essence of the Otazu terroir. Each grape is carefully selected in a manual harvest, guaranteeing superior quality. The wine is aged for 18 months in oak barrels, followed by 60 months of bottle aging. This extended maturation period allows the flavors and aromas to integrate and evolve, resulting in a wine with exceptional structure and depth of flavor. Altar represents the fusion of winemaking tradition with excellence, offering a unique and memorable winemaking experience.
The bottle features the handprint of a Bodega Otazu team member, crafted using clay sourced directly from the vineyard—a powerful symbol of the estate’s deep connection between the land, the people, and the wine.
Special Designations: Pago de Otazu holds the prestigious Vino de Pago status—one of only 25 estates in Spain (out of more than 4,400 wineries) to earn this highest classification. This exclusive designation recognizes wines produced entirely on a single estate, reflecting the distinctive character of its unique terroir.
In addition, Pago de Otazu offers a limited-edition "Artist Series", where each year, a selected artist creates a bespoke label design for a small, collectible production of bottles—merging fine wine with contemporary art. Available on Demand.
Grape Variety
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 15%
Vineyard and Harvest
Pago de Otazu is located in a unique microclimate influenced by proximity to the North Atlantic, featuring wet winters and sunny ripening seasons, with stark diurnal temperature variations contributing to aromatic complexity.
Grapes are grown in the estate's vineyards within the D.O.P. Pago de Otazu designation and are manually harvested to preserve fruit integrity.
Vinification
Cold maceration for one week at 8ºC before the alcoholic fermentation, followed by a malolactic fermentation with fine lees in new French oak barrels.
Production
3,547 Bottles
Aging
18 months in French oak barrels
Extended aging in the bottle up to 60 months, to develop complexity and integration of flavors.
Tasting Notes
This red wine has a deep garnet red hue.
The nose offers a complex aromatic richness, revealing delicate notes of forest fruits accompanied by spicy nuances and a hint of cedar wood.
The palate is distinguished by its balance and distinction, with a silky, enveloping texture that leads to a long, subtle, and refined finish.
Temperature of service: 16-18°C
Food & Wire Pairing
Its powerful and elegant profile makes it the perfect companion for intensely flavored dishes: baked or grilled red meats, lamb, aged cheeses, dark rice dishes, or even bold pairings with octopus, Japanese cuisine, and dark chocolate desserts.