Artadi and the Village of Laguardia: A Vision for Global Recognition.
On a brisk December day, the winds guided us through the stunning landscape of Laguardia, leading us to the iconic Artadi estate—a place that seamlessly blends the region’s rich history with a forward-looking vision. What unfolded was an impromptu tour through this Rioja gem, filled with captivating views, exquisite vineyards, and a compelling conversation during one of the year’s most remarkable tasting experiences.
Join us as we explore the hidden potential of the small village of Laguardia, in Rioja Alavesa, and the storytellers who bring its essence to life.
A Legacy of Terroir and Vision
Founded in 1985 by Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, this family-owned estate from the Rioja region has redefined by focusing on terroir-driven, single-plot expressions. During our recent visit, we explored the vineyards and philosophy of this remarkable winery with Carlos López de Lacalle, son of the founder, and Ana Isabel Rodríguez, the Sales Manager. The journey culminated in a tasting of their exquisite 2022 vintage wines, offering a deep dive into Artadi’s unique approach.
The Mission: Putting Laguardia on the Global Map
Carlos López de Lacalle is on a mission to elevate the village of Laguardia to the status of internationally recognized fine wine regions, drawing comparisons to Montalcino in Chianti. This vision reflects the philosophy of crafting wines that embody the unique character of their origin.
“Our wines are storytellers,” Carlos explained. “They carry the message of their soil, climate, and vineyard. It’s about honesty and purity, letting each plot speak for itself.”
Carlos’s passion is evident in his determination to build a legacy for the village and community of Laguardia. By championing sustainable practices and terroir-focused winemaking, Artadi serves as a blueprint for other producers in the region. Carlos emphasized that this vision is as much about community as it is about individual success, underscoring the need for collective progress in elevating Laguardia’s reputation.
A Vineyard Tour: Diversity in Every Plot
The diversity of Artadi’s vineyards is its strength. From the clay-heavy Valdeginés to the sandy soils of La Poza, each plot contributes its own personality to the wines. The meticulous care and organic farming practices ensure that this diversity is preserved and celebrated. During the vineyard tour, Ana guided us through these plots, explaining the geological and climatic factors that make Laguardia so unique.
“It’s incredible how just a few meters can change the soil composition and, in turn, the wine,” Ana said. “This is the magic of our region.”
As we moved through the vineyards, strong winds swept across the landscape, a constant presence in in the surroundings of Laguardia and the neighboring village Elvillar de Alava. These winds, Ana explained, play a vital role in maintaining the health of the vines by preventing diseases and enhancing the freshness of the wines. The interplay of wind, soil, and meticulous care creates a terroir that is both challenging and rewarding.
The tour also highlighted Artadi’s commitment to sustainability. Organic farming practices, minimal intervention, and a focus on biodiversity are at the core of their vineyard management. Ana explained how these methods not only enhance the quality of the wines but also ensure the long-term health of the vineyards and surrounding environment.
The Tasting: A Showcase of 2022 Vintage
The tasting session, led by Carlos, featured a selection of Artadi’s 2022 vintage wines, starting with the white Viñas de Gain and continuing with the reds: Viñas de Gain, Valdeginés, La Poza de Ballesteros, El Carretil, La Hoya, and El Pisón, showcasing their commitment to terroir-driven winemaking.
2022 Viñas de Gain Blanco | Viura
As a refreshing opener to the tasting, Viñas de Gain Blanco delivered vibrant citrus and orchard fruit aromas, underpinned by a crisp minerality. On the palate, it was lively and balanced, providing a bright and elegant start to the lineup. We’ve said it before and will say it again: the future of white Rioja wines is undeniably bright. This Viura exemplifies how the synergy between the region and the grape is ushering in an exciting new chapter for Rioja whites. This is the style the people of today want.
We award this wine with a 93-point DWA score.
2022 Viñas de Gain | Tempranillo
A blend sourced of small plots (amongst which are Biurko, San Martín and Santa Águeda) through which we enjoy a multitude of characters and nuances. Viñas de Gain captures the essence of Rioja Alavesa with its vibrant red fruit profile and fresh acidity. The 2022 vintage exhibits aromas of cherry and raspberry, complemented by subtle floral and earthy notes. On the palate, it’s juicy and approachable, making it a delightful introduction to Artadi’s range.
We award this wine with a 93-point DWA score.
2022 Valdeginés | Tempranillo
This single-plot wine reflects the clay-heavy soils of its origin, offering structure and depth. The 2022 vintage bursts with aromas of blackberries, plums, and a touch of spice. The palate is bold yet balanced, with firm tannins and a long finish that hints at its aging potential.
We award this wine with a 94-point DWA score.
2022 La Poza de Ballesteros | Tempranillo
La Poza is known for its sandy soils that lend an ethereal quality to the wines. The 2022 vintage reveals an intricate bouquet of wildflowers, red berries, and mineral undertones. On the palate, it’s silky and layered, with a vibrant freshness that lingers.
We award this wine with a 94-point DWA score.
2022 La Hoya | Tempranillo
La Hoya is a vineyard planted in 1865, nestled in a natural depression that concentrates heat like a bowl, enhancing the ripeness and intensity of the grapes. The 2022 vintage of La Hoya is a marvel of balance, offering rich, ripe fruit aromas layered with subtle floral notes. On the palate, it presents a plush texture with well-integrated acidity, delivering a wine that is both opulent and fresh. It’s a wine that speaks of its sunny, sheltered terroir while maintaining the elegance Artadi is known for.
We award this wine with a 95-point DWA score.
2022 El Carretil | Tempranillo
El Carretil, characterized by its compact clay and chalk-rich soils, exemplifies the finesse and minerality ofLaguardia’s terroir. The 2022 vintage is a revelation, with delicate floral aromas and a pronounced minerality. The palate is silky and refined, with layers of red fruit, subtle spice, and a lingering finish. This wine is an ode to elegance, showcasing the precision and restraint that define Artadi’s philosophy.
We award this wine with a 97-point DWA score.
2022 El Pisón | Tempranillo
El Pisón is the crown jewel of Artadi’s lineup, sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1945. Its where the family’s origin, heart and soul can be found.
The 2022 vintage is nothing short of extraordinary, offering an intense bouquet of blackberries, violets, and a hint of licorice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and layered, with velvety tannins and a remarkable balance of power and finesse. This wine is a masterpiece, embodying the pinnacle of Artadi’s winemaking prowess.
We award this wine with a 98-point DWA score.
Artadi’s Philosophy: A Burgundy-Inspired Approach
Artadi’s departure from the traditional Rioja classification system in 2015 was a bold move that underscored their commitment to terroir. By focusing on single-vineyard wines, they emphasize the unique character of each plot rather than conforming to generic regional styles. This approach draws inspiration from Burgundy, where the concept of terroir reigns supreme.
Carlos elaborated, “We aim to make wines that are pure reflections of their origin. It’s not about making a better wine; it’s about making a wine that tells a story.”
Artadi’s philosophy extends beyond their own wines. By prioritizing authenticity and a sense of place, they challenge the broader wine industry to consider the importance of terroir and craftsmanship. This commitment has not only set Artadi apart but also elevated the conversation around Laguardia’s potential as a star in the world of fine wine.
The Future: Building a Community of Excellence
Artadi’s vision extends beyond their own vineyards. Carlos emphasized the importance of collaboration among producers in Laguardia to elevate the region’s profile collectively.
“We need to be open and generous,” Carlos said. “It’s not just about Artadi; it’s about creating a movement that showcases the excellence of our region.”
This forward-thinking approach includes sharing knowledge, supporting local initiatives, and promoting Laguardia‘s unique attributes on a global stage. By fostering a sense of community, Artadi aims to create a legacy that benefits not only their estate but also the entire region.
Conclusion: A Visit to Remember
Our visit to Artadi was more than a winery tour; it was an immersion into a philosophy that values authenticity, respect for nature, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The 2022 vintage wines, including the vibrant Viñas de Gain Blanco, vibrant Viñas de Gain, structured Valdeginés, ethereal La Poza de Ballesteros, and the remarkable La Hoya, El Carretil, and El Pisón, are a testament to this philosophy, offering a glimpse into the future of Laguardia as a one of the great wine villages in the world.
Artadi’s philosophy of capturing the essence of each unique terroir through their wines, with Tempranillo as the translator, is as intricate as it is deceptively simple. Yet, they masterfully achieve this, like skilled conductors orchestrating a symphony. As Carlos and Ana bid us farewell, the winds of Laguardia carried with them the promise of a region destined for greatness.
This article is written by our own Niels Aarts. We thank Artadi, in particular Ana and Carlos, for their hospitality and the warm welcome. Artadi is imported in the Netherlands by Résidence Wijnen, and available through De Gouden Ton and selected hospitality partners. Picture credits: Artadi and Dutch Wine Apprentice.
