Exclusive Rioja Wine Tasting Masterclass in Laguardia
March 10, 2024
Experience exclusive Rioja wine masterclasses with Mikel Ruiz de Viñaspre in Laguardia. Dive into cult wines and Rioja's trends with an expert.
Read articleDeep in the Rioja region, nestled among rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, lies a solid tradition of hard work and unwavering dedication that gives birth to the exquisite Artadi wines. It was in the late 1980s when Juan Carlos de la Calle embarked on a remarkable journey, bestowing upon the native Spanish grape variety Tempranillo, a name that would resonate across the globe. Today, Artadi stands as a beacon of excellence, crafting unparalleled quality wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir.
Situated at high altitudes, the Artadi vineyards benefit from optimal growing conditions, producing wines that possess a profound depth and richness. The dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of their winemaking process. Embracing time-honored traditions and innovative techniques, the winemakers meticulously cultivate traditional Rioja grape varieties such as Tempranillo and Viura. In addition, old vines are carefully tended, ensuring that only the finest fruit is harvested.
Artadi wines are a testament to the harmony between simplicity and refinement. With a focus on preserving the inherent characteristics of the grapes, the winemakers produce wines that showcase the true essence of the Rioja region. White varieties such as Viura and Macabeo are artfully co-fermented with their red counterparts and aged in oak, imparting a unique complexity to the final product.
The wines exhibit a remarkable balance of acidity and tannins, creating a harmonious interplay on the palate. Unsurprisingly, these exceptional wines have garnered critical acclaim, with some receiving prestigious ratings of 95+ points from esteemed wine critic Robert Parker. Renowned as some of the finest Riojas in the market today, Artadi wines are a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast embarking on a journey through the Rioja region.
The Bodega is located near the walled town of Laguardia, surrounded by the distinctive chalk-based terrain that defines this remarkable region. Meticulously hand-picked at the peak of maturity, the grapes undergo a meticulous sorting process before a natural fermentation that unfolds over 10-15 days. Following this, the wine is aged for an extensive period of 26-30 months. Only after achieving the pinnacle of maturation is the wine bottled and patiently released, a testament to the winery’s commitment to delivering exceptional quality with every sip.
In 2007, the renowned wine critic James Suckling selected seven of Ardadi to be among his top 100 best Spanish wines.
1985
70 ha
35 years