The producer
Artadi is somewhat of a newbie in terms of Rioja – established only in 1985 – but quickly rose to the highest level of quality in Rioja. Artadi has been hugely successful with vineyards in Navarra (Artazu) and Alicante (El Segue) and is also among the best of those appellations.
The range includes excellent village wines and several single vineyard wines, all exemplary quality. The top wine is Vina El Pison, from a 2.4ha single vineyard of very old vines near Laguardia. Since 2015 Artadi choose no longer to use the DOCa of Rioja, rather labelling the wines “Laguardia”. Regardless of classification, this is a powerful but extremely elegant representation of wines from Rioja, of which it is at least geographically part.
The wine
Vinas de Gain is Artadi’s ‘village’ red wine and the starting point on the estate’s quality ladder. 100% Tempranillo, Vinas de Gain is made from selected vineyards from villages in Laguardia and Elvillar de Alava. Vines are growing at 450-700 meters of altitude, in clay-limestone soils. Vinas de Gain ferments for 10-12 days in stainless steel vats with daily cap plunging and is then allowed to mature for 12 months in French oak barrels. A wine of rich and compelling fruit concentration, which is balanced by ripe tannins and lively freshness, de Gain is made to be enjoyed young yet can easily be kept as well.