Bodegas y Vinedos Artuke Rioja

Pairs with: Aged cheddar with caramelized onion jam and crackers

Good for: A first glass of the evening

Grape: Tempranillo

I am from: Rioja, Spain

The Story: The individuality with which fourth generation growers Arturo and Kike work is a long running thread through the de Miguel family’s history as winegrowers. In 1950, their grandfather planted Tempranillo and Graciano on a 550-meter-high terrace of very poor sand, gravel and chalk soils, overlooking the Ebro River in Baños de Ebro. His fellow local winemakers thought him insane to plant such an unproductive plot. Yet, today the site Arturo and Kike call Finca de los Locos (The Crazy People’s Plot) is one of their most prized vineyards.

Why You'll Love Me: Artuke (Arturo and Kike) is a fresh and lively approach to a grape known for its robust, structured character. 95% Tempranillo and 5% Viura, this is an explosion of floral notes and red berries, full of brightness and purity thanks to carbonic maceration. On the palate it's velvety, refreshing, and the tannins are barely noticeable -- try it with a slight chill! 

91 Points, Robert Parker