Artuke Paso Las Mañas 2023

Paso Las Mañas is a single-variety Tempranillo from Bodegas y Viñedos Artuke, the small family winery in Baños de Ebro with a century of vine-growing behind it. Brothers Arturo and Kike Blanco farm 22 hectares spread across many small plots in Rioja Alavesa, where calcareous clay soils and an Atlantic-influenced climate give Tempranillo its freshness and fine structure. The fruit for this wine comes from selected old-vine parcels, naturally low-yielding and deep-rooted, which gives concentration and a clear sense of place. Fermentation is followed by fourteen months in used French oak, a deliberate choice of seasoned barrels that allows gentle oxygen exchange to refine the tannins and add a light spice frame while keeping the oak in the background and the fruit and terroir to the fore. The result is a classic, savoury Rioja: deep cherry-red with violet tinges, a nose of ripe cherry and red berry fruit over black pepper, tobacco and an earthy, mineral note. The palate is medium to full bodied, fresh and tightly knit, with fine-grained tannin and a long, balanced finish. Sustainably farmed. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees with roast lamb and grilled meats.