Artadi La Poza de Ballesteros 2023

Artadi makes La Poza de Ballesteros from one organically farmed plot of old Tempranillo at Laguardia, in Rioja Alavesa. The estate built its name on village and single-vineyard wines that reflect their origin, and left the D.O.Ca Rioja system to label by site rather than by ageing category. The vineyard lies on poor clay and limestone soils at the foot of the Sierra de Cantabria, whose shelter and altitude give cool nights that hold acidity and slow ripening. Farming is organic, with low yields from old vines that drive concentration through small berries with a high skin to juice ratio. Ageing is deliberately short, around 12 months in French oak, so the wood frames the wine without covering the fruit, and gentle oxygen exchange settles the tannin while leaving the vineyard's character in front. It is bright ruby with a nose of red cherry, raspberry, plum and wild herbs over a chalky, earthy note. The palate is medium to full and fresh, with fine tannin and a savoury, stony finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits roast lamb and grilled red meat.