El Carretil 2020

Wine Description for El Carretil 2020 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

Luminous ruby red with violet reflections, medium intensity. The colour reflects the altitude and cooler conditions of the amphitheatre vineyard site – less extraction, more finesse.

Nose

Captivingly precise and multi-layered. Red cherry and raspberry dominate, accompanied by violet, lavender and a hint of thyme. The calcareous soils reveal themselves in a mineral freshness reminiscent of wet stones. Subtle vanilla and cedarwood from the oak ageing, but never intrusive – the terroir takes centre stage.

Palate

Here the elegance of this extraordinary vineyard site reveals itself. Silky-fine texture with vibrant acidity that carries the wine and guarantees freshness. Red fruits in the foreground, underpinned by spicy herbal notes and a subtle salinity derived from the limestone. The tannins are perfectly integrated, fine-grained and polished. At 14.5% alcohol, the wine feels remarkably light-footed – a balancing act that reflects the 70-year-old vines and the altitude of 500 metres.

Finish

Long, cool and precise. Cherry fruit and minerality fade harmoniously, accompanied by a hint of Mediterranean herbs. The freshness persists to the very end – a wine that invites you to take another sip.

Terroir & Origin

Amphitheatre vineyard site at 500 metres altitude with exposure from east through south to west. The calcareous, sandy soils produce finer, more elegant wines than the more clayey soils of the famous El Pisón. Vines over 70 years old, farmed biodynamically.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Tempranillo from old vines. Artadi deliberately eschews the traditional Reserva categories of Rioja, instead opting for moderate, subtle oak use that does not mask the terroir. Deliberately classified outside the DOCa Rioja since 2016.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Lamb rack with herb crust, duck breast cooked pink, Ibérico pork, aged Manchego or mushroom risotto with truffle. The wine’s elegance also pairs well with more delicate preparations such as tuna tataki.

Special Features

Single vineyard bottling from one of Spain’s most innovative producers. Artadi’s deliberate break with Rioja conventions demonstrates that Tempranillo can achieve greatness without excessive barrel ageing.