1988 Portugal

Visiting la Poza and Valdegines, each on the gentle slopes of a valley, with differing aspects and orientations, one can clearly see how Artadi are in the vanguard of the Parcellaire movement in Spain, that is to say the identification of specific plots to give specific character to the wines. La Poza gets afternoon sun and is harvested a week earlier than Valdegines. Its pure clay/limestone soils give wines of power and structure; the 2011 has a nose of eucalypt, soy and black tea, and a ripe fruit character on the palate, nicely supported by the finely-chiselled tannins.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer

La Faraona is the definitive statement of Mencia, produced from a precipitous 0.55-hectare plot and, for the first time in 2011, matured in 600-litre barrels, allowing the naturally dense yet exuberant fruit full and glorious expression. The encyclopaedic aromas include loganberry, cassis, black tea and laurel… all recaptured on the palate, all nascent and poised, and threatening perfection.
Simon Field MW, Berrys’ Spain Buyer

From the legendary Quinta, origin of some of the very finest vintage ports, an outstanding table wine, sure rapidly to acquire the same reputation as that of its fortified sibling. The blend is 70% Touriga Nacional, 20% Touriga Franca and 10% Tinta Amarela, all vinified separately and given an unusually long cuviason to enable maximum extraction of fruit and tannin. The wine is then aged for 10 months in 400 litre French barrels. The 2007 vintage was very good, with an especially pleasing late ripening season and harvest; Charles Symington is more than satisfied with the result; here we have a wine which is balanced and finely structured with finely etched tannins providing the perfect backdrop tot the wonderful classic Vesuvio perfume and the opulent plum and raspberry fruit profile.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

Pagos Viejos is a wondrous concoction produced from the oldest vines within three of the great vineyards of Artadi; El Carretil, La Poza de Ballesteros and Valdeginés. Dark and brooding in style, it has plenty of spice on the nose which mingles gently alongside the ripe yet fresh fruit. The tannins are chunky and encompassing, providing a sturdy frame for the multi-layered blueberry, red cherry and raspberry fruit. The finish is very long and seamless, this will age beautifully.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager

The Artadi winery was once a co-operative of 13 growers who owned well-sited vineyards around the town of Laguardia in Rioja. Juan Carlos López de Lacalle saw the potential of these wonderful vineyards and purchased the bodega, immediately amending the philosophy. Today the winemaking is modern with an emphasis upon fruit-driven wines, characterised by the terroir of individual vineyard sites – a far cry from the philosophy of traditional Rioja producers.

The southeast-facing vineyard of Valdeginés sees the cooler morning sun and so has an added level of refinement; the emphasis is upon the fresh red fruit and fine, silky structure. This displays an enchanting purity with beautifully integrated, fine tannins and a wonderfully persistent finish.

The sheer exuberance of raspberry fruit is truly striking, moving towards a more damson-laden close; this is a really impressive wine from Artadi’s best vineyard. It is as good as any tasted at this stage and promises much more in the decades ahead. Could this be the perfect expression of Tempranillo? It is amongst the greatest wines of Rioja, but patience is required here to experience its full potential.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager