La Condenada 2024

A coolly defined red wine from Rioja Alavesa that draws its depth from the age of its vines. La Condenada carries the signature of brothers Arturo and Kike de Miguel Blanco: clarity, freshness and mineral tension shape its profile. Dry, at 14.0% ABV, it remains lean and focused.

The grapes grow in the Camino del Ciego site, where the vines are rooted in sandstone. The estate's 72 parcels lie between 550 and 720 metres; the cool nights at this altitude hold acidity and fruit in balance. The brothers rescued the century-old La Condenada vineyard from decline, and it still preserves the mixed planting of an older Rioja winegrowing tradition.

A historic mixed planting: Tempranillo, Graciano and the white variety Palomino grow together in the vineyard. Harvesting is done by hand, as the terraced plots rule out mechanization. Fermentation proceeds spontaneously with the vineyard's own yeasts, partly with whole clusters, and the must is at times still trodden by foot. Ageing takes place in large wooden casks, without cultured yeasts and without aggressive filtration.

Blackberry and cherry, along with floral notes and dried herbs, underpinned by a spicy, mineral vein from the sandstone. The tannin is fine-grained, the acidity vibrant, the finish long and mineral.

Grilled lamb chops, braised beef with herbs and chanterelles in butter, as well as aged Manchego or chorizo al vino.

Only 1,970 bottles are produced each year, making La Condenada one of the estate's rarest wines. The vineyards are organically farmed, with an increasing orientation toward biodynamic principles. Artuke belongs to the Rioja & Roll movement and the Futuro Vinador collective.