Artuke Trascuevas 2021 | Rioja

Wine Identification
Artuke Trascuevas is a white wine from the renowned Rioja appellation in Spain, produced by the Artuke winery. This specific release is the 2021 vintage and represents the estate’s first venture into white wine production.

Origin and Winemaking
The grapes for this wine are sourced from three distinct vineyards located in Baños de Ebro, Ábalos, and Samaniego within La Rioja. These plots feature clay-limestone soils and consist of organic vines that are over fifty years old. The blend is composed primarily of Viura (90%), complemented by Malvasía and Palomino Fino (5% each).

Vinification begins with the destemming of grapes, followed by traditional fermentation in concrete tanks. The wine undergoes a ten-month aging period on its lees. This maturation process is split evenly: half of the volume rests in 500-liter French oak barrels, while the remaining half ages in concrete vats. The final product is subjected to a gentle filtration and remains unstabilized before bottling.

Tasting Profile
As a white wine from Rioja, Trascuevas reflects the characteristics of its old-vine origins and mixed aging vessels. The use of both French oak and concrete suggests a profile that balances textural richness with freshness. The extended contact with lees during the ten-month period likely contributes to a creamy mouthfeel and complexity, while the unstabilized nature implies a more natural and potentially vibrant expression of the fruit.

Critical Reception
This wine has received notable acclaim from prominent critics. The Wine Advocate (Parker) awarded it 94 points, and Tim Atkin also rated it at 94 points.

Overall Character
Artuke Trascuevas 2021 stands as a significant addition to the producer’s portfolio, marking their entry into white winemaking. By leveraging old vines and a hybrid aging regimen of oak and concrete, the wine aims to deliver a structured yet fresh profile typical of high-quality Rioja whites.