Valdegines 2021

Wine Description for Valdegines 2021 by Artadi

Colour & Appearance

Luminous cherry red in the glass, clear and of medium intensity – a visual harbinger of the elegance this wine embodies.

Nose

Immediately upon opening, a captivating bouquet unfolds, uniting freshness and clarity. Red cherries and blue plums dominate, underpinned by a fine peppery note and a cool minerality that recalls the chalky soils of Laguardia. The aromatics are precisely drawn, without any heaviness.

Palate

Here the true class of Valdegines reveals itself: vibrant and juicy, with an electric tension that runs through the wine from first sip to last. The slender to medium body carries expressive red fruit, whilst elegant, fine-grained tannins and a silky texture provide balance. Nothing is excessive, nothing is lacking – pure harmony.

Finish

Remarkably long and precise. The tannins linger pleasantly on the palate, freshness persists to the very end. A finale that invites the next sip.

Terroir & Origin

The four-hectare Valdegines vineyard sits at 600 metres elevation in Laguardia, with an easterly aspect. The clay-chalky soils and the age of the 35-year-old vines lend this wine its characteristic minerality and depth – an authentic expression of Basque Rioja.

Grape Variety & Vinification

100% Tempranillo from certified organic cultivation. The grapes are destemmed and fermented spontaneously, maturation takes place in oak barrels of varying size and age – a method that creates complexity without oak dominance.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Perfect with Iberico pork cheeks, braised lamb or a spicy potato soup. The freshness and elegance of the wine also harmonise beautifully with grilled vegetables or mature hard cheeses.

Special Features

Artadi deliberately left the Rioja association to focus entirely on terroir-driven winemaking. The Valdegines embodies this philosophy exemplarily: a wine of brilliant drinkability that prioritises finesse over power and proves that modern Rioja wines rank among Spain’s most exciting.