The López de Lacalle family have been grape-growers for five generations, based in the Alava region of Rioja. Current owner, Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, founded Artadi with his family as a new project in 1985. Artadi`s primary focus is to produce unique wines, achieved by respect for their traditions, a love of nature (organic and sustainable concepts are core to their philosophy), and by championing the individual personalities of their wines. Although made in La Rioja, Artadi do not label their wines as such, allowing them freedom to decide how to age their wines, and the ability to produce a blended “village” wine (this Viñas de Gain) as well as wines from single plots.
This Viñas de Gain red is 100% Tempranillo from vineyards in the villages of Laguardia and Elvillar de Alava. Its 6 months ageing in new french oak is very finely integrated to give a style of red that has purity of fruit at its core. Mid ruby-purple colour, aromas are very attractive, recalling fresh black fruits and a hint of liquorice. Palate is full bodied, juicy and well concentrated. This is a precisely structured wine, having both roundness and precise structure, finishing with fresh, ripe tannins.