Santa Cruz de Artazu 2020 (Artadi)

Cellar for up to 5 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. The intriguing story behind the famous Artadi estate in Rioja started back in 1985 when a group of 13 passionate local winemakers who owned prime vineyard sites around the town of Laguardia came together to form a co-operative. Soon the incredible potential of the project was spotted by Juan Carlos López de Lacalle who purchased the estate and worked tirelessly to turn it into one of Rioja’s leading producers. In 1996 Juan Carlos decided it was time for a new challenge for Artadi, so the winery invested in old vineyards in Artazu in nearby Navarra. Today this underrated region is home to some of Artadi’s most interesting wines like this single varietal Santa Cruz de Altazu which is made with organically-farmed Garnacha grapes grown at up to 600 metres of altitude. The nose is an explosion of juicy red fruit like plums, cherries and redcurrants which carry through onto the palate. Over time toasted notes and sweet spice aromas emerge from the 12 months of ageing in new French oak. The full, well-rounded body is balanced by a distinctive freshness and fine, ripe tannins which make this bottle an excellent partner for hearty beef stews or pork chops.