Artadi, El Carretil, D.O. Rioja, red wine, 0.75l

Grape variety: 100% Tempranillo

Vineyard: An old vineyard covering 5.6 hectares, made up of three plots planted 80, 50 and 40 years ago. It is located in the village of Laguardia, 500 metres above sea level, on poor calcareous-clay soils with a high proportion of active limestone.

Harvest and ageing: The grapes are hand-picked and placed in 15 kg crates, with selection carried out directly in the vineyard. Once in the cellar, they undergo a 24-48 hour cold maceration and then ferment using indigenous yeasts in open wooden vats for 10-12 days, with daily punching down and light pumping-over. Malolactic fermentation takes place in French oak barrels, where the wine remains for 9 months.

Taste and aroma: El Carretil is perfectly balanced. The wine has a deep ruby colour, with violet hues that reflect its youthful power and potential. It is a wine that shimmers beautifully in the glass. On first nosing, an intense aroma of ripe red fruit appears – mainly cherries, blackcurrant and blackberries. Over time, delicate spicy notes emerge, reminiscent of vanilla, tobacco with hints of freshly ground pepper. A very complex wine with a long-lasting finish.

Food pairing: We recommend serving at 16 °C. It is a wine that pairs wonderfully with heartier dishes, such as grilled lamb, steak or mature cheeses. Its long finish and elegant balance between fruit, spice and mineral notes make it a wine for those seeking a sophisticated and long-lasting experience.

If you have the opportunity, we recommend tasting El Carretil both young and after several years of ageing, when its character and complexity develop even further.

Alcohol content: 14.5%

Origin: This wine comes from the Rioja Alavesa region, one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, specifically from a single vineyard bearing the name El Carretil.