Artuke Tinto 2023

Created from a combination of grapes all grown in the same plot in Baños de Ebro, Artuke Tinto transmits all the character of this small village in much the same way as French village wines do. The vineyards are located on chalky-clay soils at heights between 420 and 480 metres and the continental climate of Baños de Ebro provides the perfect framework for the vines to fully develop. Some of the vines are over a hundred years old, planted back in 1902, while other younger ones were planted after the year 2000. Following local traditions, Artuke Tinto is produced using the historical carbonic maceration method, so typical in La Rioja. This involves fermenting whole bunches of grapes with stems included, which generates intracellular fermentations within each grape and produces intensely fruity musts with few tannins. With these production methods, it is easy to see why Artuke displays a splendid cherry-red colour with bright red glints and a medium transparency. Aromas of scrubland, violets, strawberries and blackberries fascinate the nose, while a wonderfully honest and pleasant feeling delights the palate. Unlike other Rioja red wines produced this way, Artuke maintains a good dose of freshness thanks to its wild side which is essential to ensure a perfect balance in a wine produced with carbonic maceration. On standing in the glass for a short time, hints of cherry candy and lactic notes appear, alongside a fine mineral sensation reminiscent of the texture and aromas of its clay soils. On top of all these characteristics, Artuke is also a versatile wine. It will pair with almost anything ... vegetables, meat dishes, and cold meats being just some examples of possible gastronomic combinations.