Altavins, Joan Arrufí i Pieg

	Cataluña, España. (D.O. Terra Alta) 12 hectares.
	Altavins. (AHL-ta-VEENS)
	Joan Arrufí i Pieg. (zhoo-AHN ah-RU-fee ee pee-EGG)
	Jordi Casadó. (JOHR-dee kaz-a-DOH)
	Hand-harvested. No irrigation.
	2,950 cases.
	Altavins has been part of the Small Vineyards family since 2008.

A true “garagiste,” winemaker Joan Bautista Arrufi i Pieg crafts his exceptional wines in a cellar the size of an inner-city flat, with the zeal of Jack Black listening to classic Rock-n-Roll (but with perhaps a bit more sanity!). Not yet 40 years-old, Joan is a young leader in the new generation of Spanish winemakers. He has a strong grasp of tradition, and respect for it, but is not bound by it. In the rural hills of Terra Alta, this humble artisan is causing a considerable stir with wines that are Burgundian in elegance and length, running counter to the over-extracted, oaky style of Spain, popular in the 90’s. “Alta Vins” meaning “Top Wines,” refers to both the exceptional quality of his wines, as well as the altitude. With hills well over 400 meters, his vines have a long ripening cycle, and therefore, take on significant complexity. As evidenced by his plantings of traditional local varietals (primarily Garnacha and Cariñena), Joan appreciates what has been proven and successful before him, however, he also has achieved exceptional results with some international varietals, including Syrah and Chardonnay. If you visit in late September, Joan just may call on you, along with family and friends, to assist with harvest (he doesn’t hire seasonal workers). The rest of the time, he happily toils in the vineyards and cellar, pursuing his calling with a rarely found passion.