Artuke La Condenada 2024

La Condenada is a single-vineyard red from the family winery Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke in Baños de Ebro, Rioja Alavesa, made in small volumes from one old plot. The estate, run by brothers Arturo and Kike Blanco, farms its 22 hectares across many plots with a respectful, low-intervention approach in the cooler Alavesa zone of the D.O.Ca. Rioja. La Condenada is a traditional field blend led by Tempranillo with Graciano, the white Palomino and Garnacha interplanted, picked together as the old vineyards were laid out. The wine ages 16 months in large foudres rather than small barrels, so the oak shapes the texture and adds gentle structure through slow oxygen exchange without stamping the fruit with obvious toast or vanilla. The result is a wine that puts site before oak. It shows a bright, medium-deep red. The nose offers forest fruit such as blackberry and blueberry, with floral and subtle herbal notes and a fine mineral thread. The palate is fresh and detailed, with fine-grained tannins, real tension and a long, savoury finish that reflects the old vines. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees, decanted, with roast meats and game.