Artesa Rioja Crianza

Region

Rioja, Spain

Vintage:

2021

Producer:

Bodegas Artesa

Grapes:

Tempranillo

Wine Description:

An attractive, modern style of Crianza with lifted aromatics of bramble fruit with some pepper and spice. Substantial on the palate, with plummy fruit, ripe tannins and a gently savoury, fresh finish.

Made from Tempranillo grapes cultivated in hillside vineyards (600 metres above sea level) in the best parts of Rioja Oriental. The vineyards have clay stone soil with some sandy areas. 80% of the vines are trained in the trellis method and 20% are bush trained. The grapes are chilled for several hours before temperture-controlled fermentation in stainless steel. Fermentation lasts for approximately 15 days with twice daily remontage. The wine is matured for a minimum of 12 months in American oak, plus one year in bottle, before release. The winery replaces 20% of its barrel stock, with new barrels, each year. Working closely with Ontañón, we have a strong hand in the blending of this wine and have moved it to a fresher and brighter style. The wine still has a plush oak character but a brighter fruit edge that should make it more appealing.

Food Suggestion:

Casseroles, red and white meats and mature cheeses.

Producer Description

The Artesa range of wines was developed in partnership with Boutinot and Ontañón - in order to provide a portfolio of Rioja wines with wide appeal, which still maintains purity of fruit, balanced acidity, and the structure and style unique to this distinct location. Ontañón select high quality fruit from the lower reaches of their extensive vineyards (still up to 600m altitude!) which, when combined with their advanced technical capabilities, modern vinification cellars and good quality oak barrels, produces a range of wines which over-delivers at each price-point.