2022 Artadi Valdeginés

A refined single-vineyard Rioja in which calcareous soils, old Tempranillo vines, and precision come together in a wine of great elegance.

Winery

Bodegas Artadi belongs to the absolute top of Rioja. Since Juan Carlos López de Lacalle steered the estate in a new direction in the late 1980s, Artadi has been known for its focus on terroir, old vineyards, and individual plots. The winery deliberately withdrew from the DOCa Rioja to prioritize the origin of each vineyard rather than traditional classifications. The wines are produced entirely organically and are among the most refined and characterful expressions of Tempranillo in Spain. Valdeginés is one of the estate's iconic single-vineyard wines and impressively showcases the finesse of Rioja Alavesa. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

Valdeginés comes from a 4.1-hectare vineyard in the valley of the same name near Laguardia in Rioja Alavesa. The vineyard is situated on east-facing slopes, allowing the grapes to benefit from the morning sun and remain protected from the hottest afternoon temperatures. The approximately 35-year-old vines root deeply in loamy soils with a high calcium content. At a depth of about one meter, there is a layer of limestone that gives the wine its characteristic tension, freshness, and chalky minerality. This terroir produces a wine in which elegance and precision take center stage.

Grapes and vineyard management

The wine is made from 100% Tempranillo sourced from organically managed vineyards. The grapes are harvested entirely by hand and selected bunch by bunch before being fully destemmed. Due to the low yields and the advanced age of the vines, a natural concentration is achieved without loss of finesse. Artadi works with great respect for biodiversity and allows the characteristics of each vineyard to express themselves as purely as possible.

Vinification and aging

After a two-day cold maceration, spontaneous alcoholic fermentation follows using exclusively indigenous yeasts. Fermentation takes place in open wooden vats without the addition of sulfur. After pressing, the wine ages in French oak barrels, followed by nine months in demi-muids. This combination of different barrel sizes ensures a subtle integration of the wood, while preserving the purity of the fruit. During aging, sur lie maturation contributes to extra texture, depth, and refinement.

Color, smell and taste

The wine has a bright ruby red color with great intensity. On the nose, ripe cassis, blackberries, and red cherries dominate, complemented by hibiscus, juniper, bay leaf, and floral notes. These are followed by nuances of graphite, chalk, cedarwood, tobacco, dark chocolate, and wet stones. On the palate, the refined structure is immediately apparent. The chalky tannins provide plenty of grip without becoming harsh. The fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and balances the ripe fruit. The long finish is mineral, elegant, and particularly precise.

Style and character

Valdeginés is one of Artadi's most refined single-vineyard wines. Rather than power and extraction, the emphasis lies on elegance, tension, and terroir expression. The warm 2022 vintage produced a wine with ripe fruit, yet thanks to the eastern exposure and the calcareous soil, the wine remains remarkably fresh. The mineral signature is even more prominent than the fruit, giving the wine an exceptionally distinctive character.

Volume

2022 was a warm and dry year in Rioja Alavesa. Nevertheless, Valdeginés managed to retain its freshness excellently thanks to the eastern exposure and the chalky subsoil. The wine combines ripe fruit with lively acidity and refined, chalky tannins. The alcohol content is approximately 14%. The drinking window runs from 2025 to 2035. Although the wine already shows much charm, it will continue to develop over the next ten years.

Food and wine pairings

This elegant Rioja pairs excellently with grilled beef, rack of lamb, game dishes, and Iberian pork. Dishes with mushrooms, truffles, and aged hard cheeses also complement the wine's mineral tension and refined structure beautifully. Thanks to its fresh character, it is also an excellent match for modern Mediterranean cuisine.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.