Artadi Viñas de Gaín 2022

Artadi Viñas de Gaín is an organic Tempranillo from Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa, the foothill country where the Sierra de Cantabria shelters the vineyards. Artadi works old, low-yielding plots on poor clay and limestone soils that drain freely and concentrate fruit, and the cooling effect of altitude preserves acidity even in a warm, dry vintage like 2022. Organic farming keeps the vineyard balanced and lets the site speak through the wine. The fruit ferments and then ages 12 months in French oak barrels, where the slow exchange of oxygen through the wood firms the tannins and adds a fine cedar and spice frame without burying the fruit, the French oak giving tighter grain and subtler flavour than American. The result is medium bodied but structured, with dark cherry, plum and red berry fruit, a liquorice and peppery edge and a stony, earthy minerality. The palate is fresh and finely tannic, the oak well judged, the finish long and savoury. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast lamb, grilled beef or a wild mushroom dish.