Artadi Viñas de Gain

The young red 2019 Viñas de Gaín was produced with Tempranillo grapes from different vineyards in Laguardia and Elvillar at 450 to 700 meters in altitude, and it fermented in oak and stainless steel vats followed by malolactic in barrel and an élevage in barrel for nine months. They aimed for a fresh, fruit-driven and juicy red that comes from a low-yielding year, so the wine is concentrated but keeps the approachable style. It has nice balance. In warmer and riper years, they do shorter macerations at lower temperature and a short élevage to keep the aromatic and fruit-driven character, avoiding heavy wines. This is always a very good value within the Artadi range. 90,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2020.

Relaxed, rich and well balanced. Really serious red wine that happens to be made in Rioja Alavesa. More concentrated than most. You could – just – drink it now with a hunk of meat but it seems to have a long way to go. Savoury, some yeast extract.