Artuke Finca de los Locos Rioja Tinto 2023 750ml

Artuke is run by brothers Arturo and Kike de Miguel, whose family has grown grapes in Baños de Ebro, Rioja Alavesa, for generations. Since taking the reins in the 2000s they have converted to organic farming, kept their vines head-pruned in the traditional way, and focused on single-parcel wines inspired by the Burgundian grower model.

Finca de los Locos is a 2.8 hectare plot planted in 1981 on a flat terrace overlooking the Ebro River at around 520 metres. Its sandy, gravelly topsoil sits over chalky limestone, and the vineyard is planted mostly to Tempranillo, with around 15 to 20 percent Graciano and a little Viura.

The grapes are destemmed and fermented with natural yeasts in steel, with no extractions, before around 14 to 15 months in large, old French oak vats and only a light filtration. Riper and more substantial than some of the brothers' other single-vineyard wines, it is an elegant, aromatic Rioja with a rustic edge and plenty of fruit.

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