La Poza de Ballesteros 2019

Wine Description for La Poza de Ballesteros 2019 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, deep purple with seductive bluish-violet reflections – a wine that already promises much in the glass.

Nose

The nose unfolds with impressive intensity yet without any heaviness. Blue flowers and violets lay an elegant veil over a lush fruit bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and ripe sweet cherries. Dark depth comes from notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee and liquorice, whilst a hint of eucalyptus and peppermint provides cool elegance. A subtle coconut tone rounds out this multi-layered picture.

Palate

On the palate, one discovers what Artadi means by single vineyard wines: cool, silky, precise. The fruit concentration is remarkable, yet the wine carries it with an ease that delights. Despite 14.5% alcohol, it feels slender and well-balanced – a small feat of winemaking. Chocolate and liquorice return on the palate, giving the wine structure and tension.

Finish

Long, fresh and aromatically complex – an interplay of floral and fruity notes that lingers for a long time and invites you to take another sip.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard La Poza de Ballesteros lies at 600 metres elevation in Elvilar de Alava, Rioja Alavesa. The 5.6 hectare parcel is entirely west-facing and rests on deep, clayey limestone – a terroir that favours both freshness and minerality.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Tempranillo from vines planted since 1960. Artadi deliberately employs restrained oak use without overwhelming the fruit – no Reserva, no Gran Reserva, but all the more terroir expression. Vinified outside the DOCa Rioja since 2016, according to its own philosophy.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with braised lamb shoulder with lamb jus, red cabbage and potato-truffle gratin, grilled venison loin with chestnuts, Brussels sprouts and fried potato dumplings or – surprisingly harmonious – with braised chicory with blackberries.

Special Features

Part of Artadi’s exclusive Single Plot Wines series – vineyard wines that once merged into the cuvée Pagos Viejos and now celebrate their individuality. A wine for drinkers who value precision over opulence.