2022 Paganos Calados del Puntido

Calados del Puntido is a mainstay of Rioja Alavesa and demonstrates year after year why the Eguren family is among the most respected winemakers in Spain. This wine comes from the same exceptional vineyards as El Puntido but has a character of its own. The emphasis is on accessibility without compromising on depth, concentration, or terroir expression. In the warm 2022 vintage, this results in a Rioja with ripe dark fruit, refined spiciness, and a striking freshness that lends the wine tension and elegance.

Viñedos de Páganos Winery

Viñedos de Páganos is the prestigious project of the Eguren family in Rioja Alavesa. The family has been one of Rioja's leading winemakers for generations and enjoys international recognition thanks to iconic wines such as Sierra Cantabria, San Vicente, Amancio, and La Nieta. With Viñedos de Páganos, the focus is entirely on the chalky vineyards surrounding the village of Páganos, near Laguardia.

The vineyards are situated at the foot of the Sierra Cantabria, a natural barrier that provides protection against cool Atlantic influences. This creates a unique microclimate in which Tempranillo can ripen optimally. The family works with low yields, manual harvesting, and a strong focus on terroir. You can find more information about this exceptional estate under the Winery tab.

Origin, terroir and the 2022 vintage

The grapes for Calados del Puntido come from 45 hectares of vineyards surrounding Páganos-Laguardia. The vines were largely planted between 1973 and 1975 and benefit from a combination of clay-limestone soils with a subsoil of compact sandstone. These soils retain moisture well, a characteristic that proves to be of great value in warm years.

The vineyards are situated at an altitude of approximately 600 meters, resulting in significant temperature differences between day and night. This allows the grapes to retain their natural freshness and aromatic precision. The Eguren family works according to sustainable principles, using organic fertilization and minimal intervention in the vineyard. Herbicides and systemic pesticides are not used.

2022 was a warm and dry growing season in Rioja. Many producers faced challenges regarding water stress and ripeness. However, the Páganos vineyards proved exceptionally resilient to these conditions thanks to the deep rooting of the old vines and the water-regulating properties of the soil. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The result is a wine with the ripeness of a warm year, combined with a surprising freshness and balance.

Grapes and vinification of Calados del Puntido

Calados del Puntido 2022 is made from 100% Tempranillo. After manual harvesting, the grapes are completely destemmed, followed by a four-day cold maceration of the skins. Fermentation takes place using indigenous yeasts from the estate's own vineyards, ensuring the character of the terroir is optimally preserved.

During fermentation, a deliberate choice is made for gentle extraction with limited pumping over. This results in a wine with high concentration but without harsh tannins. After alcoholic fermentation, the wine is immediately transferred to French oak barrels, where malolactic fermentation also takes place.

Subsequently, the wine ages for sixteen months in French oak barrels. A combination of new and previously used barrels is used for this. This provides extra complexity and structure without the wood overpowering the fruit. The result is a Rioja in which power, elegance, and terroir come together beautifully.

Flavor profile of Calados del Puntido 2022

In the glass, Calados del Puntido displays a deep ruby red color with purple nuances. The nose opens with ripe aromas of black cherries, blackberries, and plums. These are followed by notes of cedarwood, tobacco, vanilla, cocoa, and fine spices. As the wine breathes, floral accents and subtle earthy nuances also emerge.

The taste is full and concentrated, yet retains a striking freshness. The dark fruit forms the heart of the wine, supported by refined tannins and lively acidity. The sixteen months of oak aging add extra depth and structure without making the wine heavy.

Luis Gutiérrez of Wine Advocate emphasizes that it is precisely the balance of this 2022 that stands out. Despite the warm growing season, the wine displays freshness, energy, and harmony. He describes the wine as accessible without sacrificing character or personality and awarded it 93 points. Peñín and Proensa also rated the wine 93 points.

Review summary

93/100 points – Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez)
Gutiérrez praises the combination of ripeness, freshness, and balance. Despite the warm growing season, the wine retains tension and elegance, according to him. He calls Calados del Puntido more accessible than El Puntido, but certainly not simpler. The wine possesses sufficient depth and structure to develop further in the coming years. Read the full review under the Tab: Reviews