2021 Rioja Vinas de Gain
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Tasting notes
The entry-level red 2021 Viñas de Gaín is the new era for this wine, as they are in the process of increasing the quality and reducing volumes. Vineyards like Villalba, San Martín, Carralaguardia, Santa Cecilia or La Laguna, which were before bottled separately and sold to collectors directly at the winery, are now contributing to this blend, which has the ambition; and they have stopped using other vineyards, the lower ones, closer to the Ebro River, where there's more ripeness, that they sell in bulk, and in the future they might sell the grapes. The wine is ripe but elegant, which is, I think, a good definition of the Artadi style. This year feels very complete; they have gained in complexity, finesse and character. Starting in 2021, they also add 2% to 4% white Viura to all the reds. 65,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in June 2022.
Critic scores
Average Score
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
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The 2021 Viñas de Gaín Vineyard Selection is a blend of 96% Tempranillo and 4% Viura from Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa. It was aged for one winter in oak barrels. Partially fermented with whole clusters, this purple wine reveals ripe blueberry notes along with herbs and a faint oak layer. Dry and juicy with supple tannins, the intense fruit flavor fills the palate. This embodies a modern Rioja style.
About the producer
Owner and winemaker Juan Carlos López de Lacalle is among an elite group of global vintners whose expertise creates wines that stand above others in their regions. Artadi produces refined Rioja in unoaked and oaked styles, including superb Reservas and single-vineyard wines such as Viña El Pisón.