La Poza de Ballesteros 2021

Wine description for La Poza de Ballesteros 2021 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

A deep purple-red in the glass.

Nose

The nose reveals cool, dark fruit of black cherry and blackberry, underpinned by a distinct, earthy minerality. The interplay of aromas is immensely intense, stimulatingly fresh and beautifully balanced.

Palate

On the palate, the wine possesses true stature: noble, mouth-filling tannins meet a gripping minerality and noticeable drive. Compared to sister sites such as Valdegines or San Lázaro, this Tempranillo presents a densely structured and full-bodied character. A lively acidity and velvety texture ensure fascinating tension and a succulent length.

Finish

The finish is extraordinarily long, with fine-grained tannins lingering softly and velvet-like on the palate.

Terroir & Origin

The 1.2-hectare, west-facing plot sits at around 600 metres altitude in Elvillar, in the cooler part of Rioja Alavesa at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria. The 63-year-old vines are rooted in clay-sandy, calcareous and ferruginous clay soils. Juan Carlos López de Lacalle deliberately turned his back on the DOCa to reflect the unmistakable identity of such single vineyards without the constraints of traditional oak ageing categories.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Tempranillo. The organically farmed grapes are destemmed and spontaneously fermented in open vats. Controlled ageing takes place in French oak casks of various sizes, bestowing structure upon the wine without overpowering the fruit.

Food Pairings

An ideal match for braised leg of lamb or a classic Pizza Margherita.

Particularities

This certified organic vineyard combines the cool elegance of high altitude with the powerful texture of iron-rich soils – a textbook example of the modern Spanish Grand Cru style.