Artadi 'El Pison' 2021

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• Origin: Laguardia, Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Appellation: Vino de España
• Grape variety: 100% Tempranillo
• Alcohol percentage: 14.5%
• Style: Extremely refined and deep, limestone mineral, pure fruit definition, silky tannins and immense length.
• Cellaring potential: Now until 2050+
• Rating: 98+/100 Wine Advocate, 97/100 Vinous.

Viña El Pisón 2021 is considered one of Spain's iconic single vineyards: a wine that seeks power not in weight, but in density, precision, and texture. The aroma is complex and layered, with dark cherry, blueberry, and violets, complemented by bay leaf, fine spices, and a distinct stony, calcareous impression.

The palate is seamless and concentrated, yet remarkably light-footed in its movement. It's all about balance: a core of pure fruit, a taut structure, and tannins that feel velvety but remain distinctly present. The finish is exceptionally long, with a serene minerality that makes the wine great without being loud.

Excellent with roasted lamb, côte de boeuf, truffle dishes, game, or simply with a plate of hard, aged cheeses.

Winemaking.
The grapes are rigorously selected and vinified with great precision to preserve the unique character of the vineyard as much as possible. Fermentation occurs with controlled extraction to maintain finesse and aromatic purity, followed by aging in French oak barrels. The exact duration of barrel aging and subsequent bottle aging for this vintage is not publicly specified; however, it is clear that the wine is only released after sufficient cellar rest to integrate its structure and tension.

The Domain.
Artadi, located in Laguardia (Rioja Alavesa), evolved from a local cooperative tradition into one of the leading names in terroir-driven Spanish wine. Under the leadership of Juan Carlos López de Lacalle, the focus shifted resolutely to origin: separate villages, specific soils, and ultimately individual vineyards as the starting point for style and quality. This vision also led Artadi to consciously work outside the classic appellation frameworks to more freely communicate the identity of the vineyards.

In the vineyards, sustainable, natural farming is central: many plots are maintained without chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and the aim is biodiversity and living soils. In the cellar, this philosophy aligns with a precise, non-intrusive approach: extraction and wood use are adapted to the vintage and terroir, with the goal of preserving finesse, tension, and transparency.