Artuke 'El Escolladero' Tinto

Artuke 'El Escolladero' TintoArtuke's 'El Escolladero' together with stable mate 'La Condenada' are what Arturo and Kiki consider their "Grand Cru" vineyards in the organisation of Artuke, borrowing heavily from the Burgundian system that they both admire. The entry level, regional Rioja wine that comes from multiple vineyards between the river and the hills being Artuke Tempranillo, followed by the "village" level 'Pies Negros' from Abalos, then the "Premier Cru" sites of 'Finca

Artuke's 'El Escolladero' together with stable mate 'La Condenada' are what Arturo and Kiki consider their "Grand Cru" vineyards in the organisation of Artuke, borrowing heavily from the Burgundian system that they both admire. The entry level, regional Rioja-wine that comes from multiple vineyards between the river and the hills being Artuke Tempranillo, followed by the "village" level 'Pies Negros' from Abalos, then the "Premier Cru" sites of 'Finca de los Locos' and 'Paso las Manas.' Then the two single vineyards that have consistently produced wines of such concentration, elegance and balance that they are always among the highest rated wines of Rioja.

The El Escolladero's site sits above the town of Abalos, tucked against the mountains on a slight incline to the south east. It's a site that beautifully combines elegance and power; showing a array of dark red berry fruits against an incredibly pure, almost saline tang of minerality through it's core. Whilst it promises to improve over the years it's always a touch more open and accessible in youth than 'La Condenada' - not necessarily finer, but more hedonistic of the two.