‘Arturo de Miguel makes some of the greatest reds in Spain,’ says Tim Atkin MW, who’s scored his famous La Condenada 100 points twice over the past couple of years. What’s more, the 2020 Artuke Condenada was ‘only the second Rioja (and the first red) to achieve perfection in my book’, notes Tim.
The whole-bunch, crunchy, violet, tasty young Tinto from Artuke is ‘increíble’ (say it with a Spanish accent). The 2023 is a blend of 95% Tempranillo with 5% Viura, and it’s one of the best tapas wines around. It should be on every table, and in every bar and restaurant this summer.
The Miguel brothers’ Finca de los Locos (‘vineyard of the crazy people’) is a homage to their grandfather. His neighbours thought him crazy for buying a plot of land up on the hill away from the river, instead of next to it where the fertile soils were considered best. The vineyard is a field blend of 75% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano and 5% Viura and so is the wine. Made with a light touch, the 2022 is delicate, juicy and chalky with great florals and freshness. ‘This is definitely worth a sip’ (Vinous).
Also on offer are their other old-vine, single-site cuvées: Trascuevas (blanco), Paso las Mañas (tinto), El Escolladero (tinto), and La Condenada (tinto) – all farmed biodynamically and each with its own story and charm.
Check out the Artuke Rioja Pack and view their entire range here. ‘This is a producer to follow,’ says Joaquín Hidalgo of Vinous, and we encourage you to do just that.
Tasting Notes:
‘The carbonic-maceration red 2023 Artuke, named after their village in Baños de Ebro, contains some 5% Viura grapes and has a moderate 13.5% alcohol and a pH of 3.5. It’s light and fresh, aromatic and floral, open and expressive, quite harmonious for its young age. It was bottled after three to six months in concrete. It’s a textbook example of the category and among my favorite carbonic-maceration reds from Rioja year after year. It’s velvety and juicy, soft and tasty. It was bottled in late December 2023.’ – Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 92/100
Artuke Finca de Los Locos Tinto 2022 ‘The 2022 Finca de Los Locos is slightly riper than the 2021, with 14% alcohol and a rounder mouthfeel. It matured in 3,500-liter oak vats for one year. It feels young and primary but surprisingly fresh and balanced, more so than the other 2022s. It has fine tannins and a balanced mouthfeel, powerful but with harmony. 9,500 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2023.’ – Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, 93+/100
