Escondite del Ardacho San José 2022

Wine Description for Escondite del Ardacho San José 2022 by Tentenublo

Colour & Appearance

Luminous purple-red in the glass, youthful and clear.

Nose

A bouquet of remarkable clarity: cool minerality meets fresh blue fruit and invigorating herbal notes. The primary aromas take centre stage – expressive and precisely defined, with surprising depth for a wine from such a hot vintage.

Palate

Here the full distinctiveness of this unusual field blend reveals itself. Fine-grained tannins structure a juicy, multi-layered body, whilst the whole-bunch fermentation contributes herbal spice and a gripping texture. It’s impressive how the 15.5% alcohol is completely integrated – the wine feels fresh, tense and with genuine drinking flow. The balance is outstanding despite the hot 2022 vintage.

Finish

Long, juicy and with lingering herbal interplay that preserves freshness right to the end.

Terroir & Origin

From a tiny single vineyard site of just 0.3 hectares at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria at 560 metres altitude in Basque Rioja. The vineyard, planted in 1952, embodies the exciting dynamism of this region.

Grape Variety & Vinification

A historic field blend of 40% Tempranillo plus 30% each of the white varieties Viura and Malvasia. Roberto Olivan harvests all grapes simultaneously, ferments with whole bunches and ages the wine in 500-litre barrels – a vinification that prioritises character and distinctiveness over convention.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Classically with Jamón Ibérico or Jamón Serrano, but also with grilled vegetables, herb-crusted lamb chops or mature hard cheeses.

Special Features

Part of the single vineyard collection „Escondite del Ardacho„, named after a local lizard species. Roberto Olivan is among the most innovative winemakers of Basque Rioja – this wine is a convincing example of his uncompromising signature.