La Poza de Ballesteros 2019

The history of Artadi goes back to a cooperative project. In 1985, several producers joined forces, who were of the opinion that it is possible to produce top wines in the region without extremely long barrel aging. Under the leadership of Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, they succeeded in refining this process over the decades and to achieve remarkable successes. In 2016, it was decided to leave the DOCa Rioja, as the philosophy was too different from that of the rest of the appellation. Even today, Artadi does not produce wines of the Reserva and Gran Reserva stages. Nevertheless, they do not renounce to discreet use of wood, but without covering the terroir.

In the Single Plot Wines series, Artadi has been presenting a series of site wines that used to be part of the Pagos Viejos cuvée for a few years now.

The vineyard La Poza de Ballesteros is located at 600 meters above sea level in Elvilar de Alava and covers 5.6 hectares. The site was planted with Tempranillo in 1960 and is completely exposed to the west. The soil is deep, clayey limestone.

Bright dark purple, bluish-violet reflections

The first nose immediately presents a high intensity. Blue and violet flowers provide a lot of charm, elegance and well-being. These nuances formally round off its corners and edges. Afterwards, a cornucopia of fruity aromas pours out. Blackberry, blueberry and cassis stand next to fig and sweet cherries. The fruits are in perfect balance with each other and none of them wants to take the place of the other. Melted dark chocolate, as well as a little roasted coffee and liquorice provide dark moments of roasted aromas and tension. Eucalyptus and peppermint are similarly ethereal. A delicate coconut note finishes it off.

Artadi follows a clear concept with the single-vineyard wines and shows plenty of handwriting in these highly recommended wines. They are cool, silky and elegant. La Poza de Ballesteros knows how to contain and almost conceal the alcohol and its fruit concentration. The fruit is generously portioned and intensely perceptible. But it understands the art very well not to convey a feeling of heaviness or opulence. Fabulous. The spices of the nose, especially chocolate and liquorice, come out wonderfully again. In the aftertaste, it shows an alternating bath of floral and fruity aromas.