2021 Artuke ‘Pies Negros’, Rioja, Spain

Artuke exclusively uses grapes from their vineyards in and around the small town of Baños de Ebro, situated at the northern edge of Rioja, beneath the Sierra Cantabria. Artuke's goal is straightforward: to create vibrant wines that reflect the essence of the village, free from oak influence, heavy extraction, or other artificial techniques. The brothers practice organic farming, and their high-altitude, cool-climate vineyards yield exceptionally bright expressions of Rioja.  ‘Pies Negros’ refers to the traditional method of foot-stomping grapes to gently release their initial juice, allowing natural yeasts to initiate the fermentation process. This name highlights the winemaking approach and reminds us of the rarity of such small-scale production in the Rioja region, which is now dominated by large-scale operations and industrial agriculture, with impressive architecture often overshadowing genuine viticulture. Why do we like it? This wine comes from five distinct plots planted on limestone and clay at around 550 meters altitude, scattered around the town of Abalos. The wine bursts with freshness and lively acidity, centered around fresh blackberry fruit and plum. It also boasts significant structure, thanks to the limestone's proximity to the topsoil in the foothills of the Cantabrian mountains. Grape           Tempranillo Country        Spain                                  Region          Rioja                     Vintage         2021