El Carretil 2022

Wine Description for El Carretil 2022 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

Luminous cherry red with medium intensity – a wine that already promises clarity and precision on the eye.

Nose

Less is more – this maxim of Bauhaus aesthetics perfectly defines the nose of El Carretil. Cool minerality dominates, almost austere in its restraint, yet therein lies its fascination. Subtle smoky and balsamic notes frame blue and red fruits, which hold back in the background. No wood spectacle, no overripe opulence – instead, unadorned elegance and compelling authenticity.

Palate

Here the true class unfolds: silky and juicy, the wine glides across the palate, carried by the finest, powder-fine tannins. The smoky minerality returns and lends the wine an incredible grip – positively crisp in its texture. Clarity, tension, freshness, depth, elegance – all these attributes interweave seamlessly. A wine with character and personality that never needs to raise its voice to impress.

Finish

Exceptionally long, fine spicy aftertaste with perfect balance between fruit, minerality and a subtle smoky note. The finish impressively demonstrates the top-tier quality of this wine.

Terroir & Origin

The 3.5-hectare single vineyard site in Laguardia sits at around 500 metres elevation with a south-facing aspect. The highly calcareous soil with high calcium carbonate content decisively shapes the cool minerality of this wine. Tempranillo vines aged 37 to 95 years from certified organic cultivation provide the grapes for this terroir jewel.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Tempranillo, destemmed and spontaneously fermented. Ageing takes place deliberately in used and larger oak barrels – a philosophy that minimises wood influence and gives maximum space to the terroir. The result: unvarnished elegance instead of wood makeup.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect companion to grilled lamb, duck breast with porcini mushrooms, beef fillet with truffle or aged Manchego. The minerality harmonises beautifully with mushroom dishes and roasted root vegetables.

Special Features

Artadi ranks among the pioneers of terroir-driven winemaking in Rioja and has significantly shaped the shift from cellar-technique-dominated to authentic vineyard site wines. El Carretil is a prime example of this philosophy – a wine that demonstrates the courage of restraint.