Artadi Quintanilla 2018

The history of Artadi goes back to a cooperative project. In 1985, several producers joined forces, who were of the opinion that it is possible to produce top wines in the region without extremely long barrel aging. Under the leadership of Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, they succeeded in refining this process over the decades and to achieve remarkable successes. In 2016, it was decided to leave the DOCa Rioja, as the philosophy was too different from that of the rest of the appellation. Even today, Artadi does not produce wines of the Reserva and Gran Reserva stages. Nevertheless, they do not renounce to discreet use of wood, but without covering the terroir.

In the Single Plot Wines series, Artadi has been presenting a series of site wines that used to be part of the Pagos Viejos cuvée for a few years now.

The single vineyard Quintanilla is located in Elvilar de Alava in the Rioja Alavesa and was planted in 1951 to 100% with Tempranillo. The 1.1 hectare site faces southwest. And is located on the ruins of the medieval town of San Lorenzo de Quintanilla. Remains from these times are often found in the vineyard. The site has a deep clay subsoil and has a good water supply for the old vines.

Bright purple, violet reflexes

Blue, intense fruit at the beginning and much spice and race shows the Quintanilla. Blueberry, elderberry, black currant and a little sloe. A discreet note of almond blossom spreads. Juicy figs and some liquorice complete this aromatic variety. A little black pepper, dark chocolate and coffee round this off perfectly.

On the palate it shows itself with polished tannins and a lot of pressure. The blue fruit is surrounded by delicate bitter tones. Strikingly juicy and animating to drink, this concentrated but never heavy Tempranillo shows itself. In the end, in Rioja we always speak of a continental to cool climate and sites in the plateau. This is also clearly to taste.

The fine-grained tannin adheres perfectly, preparing for a long finish.