La Poza de Ballesteros 2020

A single-vineyard wine as Artadi understands it: the name on the label denotes a piece of land, not an ageing category. At 14.5% ABV, the 2020 vintage sits on the powerful side, yet remains clearly structured, concentrated without heaviness.

The vineyard lies in Rioja Alavesa, where the Sierra Cantabria shelters the vineyards. La Poza de Ballesteros is characterized by iron-rich clay soils and is one of nine single vineyards that Juan Carlos López de Lacalle farms together with his children Carlos and Patricia, across a total of 56 hectares. Vinification takes place in Laguardia, in the same cellar as since the estate's beginnings in 1985.

Single-varietal Tempranillo from old vines. The soils are farmed organically, partly with horse-drawn ploughing, without herbicides or synthetic chemicals. In the cellar, the estate uses open fermentation vats for gentle extraction and French barriques that provide structure without masking the fruit. No reverse osmosis, no micro-oxygenation.

Deep ruby red with violet highlights. On the nose, blackberry and cherry, along with floral notes, fine spice, and an earthy touch of graphite. The palate opens full-bodied, the tannins are ripe and carry the wine, and the acidity keeps it lively. The finish is long and spicy, with red fruit and liquorice.

Grilled lamb, suckling pig, or braised lamb shoulder with herbs. To start, a board of Ibérico ham, and to finish, aged Manchego.

The DOCa Rioja regulations even prohibited naming individual vineyards on the back label. At the end of 2015, Artadi withdrew from the appellation so that the origin of its wines could be made clear.