Artadi | Rioja | La Poza de Ballesteros | 2019 | 750ml | bio

Beschreibung

Product description for Artadi La Poza de Ballesteros 2019 (bio)

Among the many wineries that have become known far beyond Rioja since the 1980s, Bodegas y Viñedos Artadi occupy a special position. Artadi is among the region’s top wineries, producing wines that have come from purely organic vineyards, now also biodynamically cultivated, since the 1980s. In 1985, several families joined together to form a cooperative, but they disagreed, so two of the families, Lacalle and Laorden, took over the winery. The re-establishment in 1992 marked the beginning of Artadi’s consistent rise. This also included leaving the Rioja Winegrowers’ Association, which is why the term “Rioja” is no longer found on wine labels. Artadi is one of the region’s best wineries, cultivating a more modern style. This is also due to the fact that it owns some of the best sites in Rioja, with vineyards like El Pisón and others.

Info

The history of Artadi goes back to a cooperative project. In 1985, several producers joined forces because they believed that top-quality wines could be produced in the region without extremely long barrel aging. Under the leadership of Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, they succeeded in refining this process over the decades and achieving considerable success. In 2016, the decision was made to withdraw from the DOCa Rioja because their philosophy had become too different from that of the rest of the appellation. Even today, Artadi does not produce Reserva or Gran Reserva wines. However, they do use a subtle use of wood, without masking the terroir. In the Single Plot Wines series, Artadi has been presenting a range of single-vineyard wines that were formerly part of the Pagos Viejos cuvée for a few years now. The La Poza de Ballesteros vineyard is located at an altitude of 600 meters in Elvilar de Alava and covers 5.6 hectares. Planted with Tempranillo in 1960, the site is entirely west-facing. The soil is deep, clayey limestone.

Colour

Bright dark purple, bluish-violet reflections.

Nose

The initial nose immediately presents a high intensity. Blue and violet blossoms provide plenty of charm, elegance, and well-being. These nuances practically round out its rough edges. A cornucopia of fruity aromas then pours forth. Blackberry, blueberry, and cassis stand alongside fig and sweet cherry. The fruits are in perfect balance with one another, none seeking to compete with the other. Melted dark chocolate, along with a touch of roasted coffee and licorice, create dark moments of roasted aromas and tension. Eucalyptus and peppermint are similarly ethereal. A delicate coconut note completes the palate.

Palate

Artadi pursues a clear concept with his single-vineyard wines and shows plenty of character in these highly recommended wines. They are cool, silky, and elegant. La Poza de Ballesteros knows how to perfectly integrate and almost conceal the alcohol and fruit concentration. The fruit is generously portioned and intensely perceptible. However, he masters the art of avoiding a feeling of heaviness or opulence. Fabulous. The spiciness of the nose, especially chocolate and licorice, comes through wonderfully. The finish reveals a mix of floral and fruity aromas.

Copyright Vinaturel 2025

Keywords: Artadi La Poza de Ballesteros 2019 bio Rioja Spain

Wine Advocate

Score: 93

The 2019 La Poza de Ballesteros is a powerful and ripe wine with 14.66% alcohol and ripe fruit, volume and round and dense tannins. It’s from a 1.18-hectare plot of vines planted in 1960 on deep brown soils, and the exposition to the afternoon sun and the deeper soils give the grapes more ripeness—and this wine is always a riper expression of Tempranillo. It has notes of black fruit and tobacco, and it’s round and generous, more voluptuous, with round tannins and instant gratification. It’s expressive and direct, quite gentle. 4,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2021.
Luis Gutiérrez

Producer website: https://artadi.com/en/artazu-navarra