La Poza de Ballesteros 2019

Wine Description for La Poza de Ballesteros 2019 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

Luminous dark purple with bluish-violet reflections – a youthful, vibrant Tempranillo that already announces its origins from 600 metres altitude visually.

Nose

Captivating in intensity and complexity. Blue and violet flowers dance around a cornucopia of dark berries: blackberry, blueberry, cassis, alongside fig and sweet cherries in perfect balance. Beneath lies a fascinating dark layer of melted dark chocolate, roasted coffee and liquorice. Ethereal notes of eucalyptus and peppermint lend freshness, whilst a hint of coconut from subtle oak ageing rounds off the bouquet.

Palate

Here Artadi’s mastery reveals itself: despite 14.5% alcohol and concentrated fruit, this wine feels cool, silky, almost weightless. The generous fruit fullness is brilliantly integrated, never appearing opulent or heavy. Chocolate and liquorice return with spice, the texture displaying remarkable finesse. A wine that leaves the old Rioja school behind without denying its roots.

Finish

Long and elegant with a charming interplay of floral and fruity aromas. The cool minerality of the high altitude carries through to the end.

Terroir & Origin

The vineyard La Poza de Ballesteros is located in Elvilar de Alava at 600 metres altitude. The 5.6-hectare site, completely west-facing, was planted with Tempranillo in 1960 and rests on deep, clayey limestone – ideal for wines with structure and freshness.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Tempranillo from 60-year-old vines. Artadi employs subtle oak use without lengthy Reserva ageing periods – a deliberate departure from traditional Rioja philosophy, which led to their withdrawal from the DOCa in 2016. The terroir should speak, not the barrel.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Predestined for braised lamb shoulder with lamb jus, grilled venison loin with chestnuts or surprisingly also braised chicory with blackberries. The wine’s elegance pairs well with both robust game dishes and refined vegetarian cuisine.

Special Features

Part of the prestigious Single Plot Wines series, which previously formed part of the Cuvée Pagos Viejos. A single vineyard Rioja that proves Spain’s most famous wine region produces world-class wines even without the DOCa seal.