Artuke, D.O.C. Rioja, red wine, 0.75l

Artuke is a blend of Tempranillo (95%) and Viura (5%). The vineyards are located in the Baños de Ebro area at an altitude of 420 and 480 m.  Old vines are used in particular, some of which were planted as far back as 1902. The colour of the wine is cherry red with violet hues. On the palate it is fresh, fruity, powerful yet pleasant, with an intense finish. The wine has a very interesting ageing potential ahead of it. In Artuke we find characteristics linked to one specific place in the Spanish Rioja region - Baños de Ebro. The wine is made by the brothers Arturo and Kike, who are the followers of the fifth generation of winemakers and who are also the heart and soul of this small cellar, where everything is done the old way, with respect for previous generations and experience. Arturo and Kike take care of the wine from the terroir right through to every detail of harvesting and production techniques, in which they follow tried-and-tested traditional methods. The Artuke winery never had any ambition to blend in among the countless cellars of the Spanish Rioja region; rather, from the start it was clear to them that there is no better strategy than being constantly out in the vineyard and devoting themselves to their passion. According to their own estimates, they spend up to 98% of their time in the vineyards, which, as wine experts know, is essential for the final result.  Production is limited, given the 22 hectares divided into 32 mini plots. The aim is for each plot to express the identity of its area as accurately as possible. The vineyards are tended daily with the goal of finding the best fruit, which gives the wine complexity and various interesting notes. The orientation of the vineyards, altitude, climate and timing are all things Arturo and Kike take into account, and the result is outstanding.