The Riojan Revolutionist
Juan Carlos Lòpez de Lacalle, owner and winemaker of Artadi, has established himself as one of the greatest names in Spanish winemaking. Playing by his own rulebook, over the last 3 decades he has transformed Bodegas Artadi, from its humble beginnings as a small co-operative, into an undisputed superstar on the world wine stage. In addition to this, he has almost single-handedly changed the face of Rioja, by shunning the antiquated Spanish wine laws, and concentrating purely on quality and terroir, rather than excessive ageing in wood. So at odds with traditional Riojan winemaking traditions is he, that Artadi officially abandoned Rioja entirely in 2015, leaving the appellation behind and labelling their wines under ‘Alava – España’.
Over the years, Juan Carlos has also expanded the operation, opening domaines in Navarra (Artazu) and in Alicante (El Sequé), embracing the challenge of overseeing the cultivation of the ancient varietals of Garnacha and Monastrell, with the same dedication and philosophy. We at Gauntleys, have had the privilege of following the wines of Artadi from the start of the journey, and we know that the wines have become firm favourites with many of our long-standing customers, as has been the story with many wine enthusiasts the world over. We are therefore thrilled to be offering these new releases from Artadi and Juan Carlos, which provide a great introduction to the range and showcases three stunning single varietal cuvées: Tempranillo from Alava, Garnacha from Navarra and Monastrell from Alicante. His wines truly display the essence of each varietal in their purest form and are a pleasure to drink. Three gloriously expressive and distinct varietals, all with the unmistakable mark of Artadi. These would make glorious companions to these colder months and if you are a fan of Spanish reds and have yet to discover the wines of Juan Carlos Lopez… these are not to be missed.
Artadi The Riojan Revolutionist's Six-Bottle Mixed Case
This is a six-bottle special offer mixed case containing 2x each of the following wines:
2019 El Sequé - £25.80 2016 Pasos de San Martin - £23.50 2019 Vinas de Gain - £28.80
2019 El Sequé
100% Monastrell, made from old vines, grown in predominantly sand and clay soils, in and around Alicante at around 600m in elevation. Aged for 12 months in 500l oak barrels. The hotter Mediterranean climate certainly comes through on this dark garnet coloured wine. The rich palate is packed with mature, ripe black fruits and liquorice, subtle balsamic notes and wild mint and fennel accompany a warm, long and spicy finish. This is a delicious wine, perfectly balanced, that will need a little time in the glass to fully reveal itself.
2016 Artazu ‘Pasos de San Martin’
100% Garnacha, organically grown from vineyards located in San Martin de Unx, in Navarra, on sloped vineyards at 600m elevation. Bright ruby in the glass, this is a big, energetic, fruit driven Garnacha. Full bodied and rich, the palate is nicely textured with fine-grained chalky tannins and ample freshness. Violets, plums, blackcurrants and cherries engulf the nose and palate, accompanied by subtle orange-peel, herbs, vanilla and a smokey backbone from a small amount of harmoniously integrated French oak ageing. Delicious, it is a wine that has plenty of delicate nuances, but which is full of power and authenticity.
2019 Vinas de Gain
100% Tempranillo, made from 20–30-year-old vines from different plots spread around the village of Laguardia, in Alavesa, from sites up to 2000ft. It is aged for 12 months in 225l French barriques, as opposed to the American oak typical of the region. This is a young and approachable Rioja, but with class, purity and with depth. Refreshing and elegant like all the wines from Artadi, the palate sings with a chorus of ripe cherries, plums and redcurrants, dried flowers, along with mint leaf and gentle coffee flavours. Very easy to drink, but with lovely depth and complexity. Very fine and silky tannins, harmonious balance and a long finish. It is definitely recommended to give this wine a little time to breath in order to get the full experience.
Artadi The Riojan Revolutionist's Three-Bottle Mixed Case
This is a three-bottle special offer mixed containing 1x each of the following wines:
2019 El Sequé
100% Monastrell, made from old vines, grown in predominantly sand and clay soils, in and around Alicante at around 600m in elevation. Aged for 12 months in 500l oak barrels. The hotter Mediterranean climate certainly comes through on this dark garnet coloured wine. The rich palate is packed with mature, ripe black fruits and liquorice, subtle balsamic notes and wild mint and fennel accompany a warm, long and spicy finish. This is a delicious wine, perfectly balanced, that will need a little time in the glass to fully reveal itself.
2016 Artazu ‘Pasos de San Martin’
100% Garnacha, organically grown from vineyards located in San Martin de Unx, in Navarra, on sloped vineyards at 600m elevation. Bright ruby in the glass, this is a big, energetic, fruit driven Garnacha. Full bodied and rich, the palate is nicely textured with fine-grained chalky tannins and ample freshness. Violets, plums, blackcurrants and cherries engulf the nose and palate, accompanied by subtle orange-peel, herbs, vanilla and a smokey backbone from a small amount of harmoniously integrated French oak ageing. Delicious, it is a wine that has plenty of delicate nuances, but which is full of power and authenticity.
2019 Vinas de Gain
100% Tempranillo, made from 20–30-year-old vines from different plots spread around the village of Laguardia, in Alavesa, from sites up to 2000ft. It is aged for 12 months in 225l French barriques, as opposed to the American oak typical of the region. This is a young and approachable Rioja, but with class, purity and with depth. Refreshing and elegant like all the wines from Artadi, the palate sings with a chorus of ripe cherries, plums and redcurrants, dried flowers, along with mint leaf and gentle coffee flavours. Very easy to drink, but with lovely depth and complexity. Very fine and silky tannins, harmonious balance and a long finish. It is definitely recommended to give this wine a little time to breath in order to get the full experience.